Creamy Chicken And Rice One Pot Dinner

Name: Creamy Chicken And Rice One Pot Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Feel-Good Plates

I love making this Creamy Chicken And Rice One Pot Dinner when I want a comforting meal that doesn’t require a lot of cleanup. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that comes together effortlessly, and the flavor is incredible. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, while the rice absorbs all the delicious seasonings. This dish has become a favorite in my household, and I know it will be in yours too. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or cozy family dinners.

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:04:16.439Z

When I first tried making this dish, I was amazed at how well everything cooked together in one pot. I was concerned that the rice wouldn’t cook properly or that the chicken might dry out, but to my delight, it turned out perfectly. The creamy sauce has become a staple for us, as it’s both flavorful and comforting. I recommend using good quality chicken broth to enhance the overall taste.

One trick I learned is to let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the rice firms up slightly, making it easier to serve. Trust me; it’s worth the wait!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy sauce that envelops tender chicken and rice
One pot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal
Quick and easy preparation, perfect for weeknight dinners

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce in this dish is what elevates it to comfort food status. Using heavy cream not only adds richness but also helps create a luscious texture that clings beautifully to the chicken and rice. If you're looking to lighten it up, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a lighter yet still creamy version, which also adds a hint of tropical flavor.

Another essential element is the chicken broth, which enriches the overall flavor profile. Make sure to use a good quality broth, as it forms the base of the sauce. If you’re in a hurry, low-sodium canned chicken broth works wonderfully, but homemade broth will intensify the flavor. I often keep some on hand in the freezer for dishes like this.

Cooking Techniques for Tender Chicken

Sautéing the chicken thighs before adding other ingredients is crucial for developing flavor. Browning in olive oil not only enhances taste but also locks in moisture, preventing the chicken from becoming dry. Aim for a golden brown color on the chicken, which usually takes about 5-6 minutes; if it starts to stick, gently scrape the bottom of the pot to release the fond, which adds depth to the sauce.

Don’t rush the simmering process once all ingredients are combined. Keeping the heat low allows the rice to cook evenly while the flavors meld beautifully. If you find that your rice isn’t tender after 20 minutes, add a couple of tablespoons of water and cover again, checking every couple of minutes until fully cooked. Using long-grain rice is essential since it cooks up fluffy and separate, absorbing the creamy sauce without turning mushy.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
1 cup long-grain rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Steps

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.

Add Onions and Garlic

Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Add the rice to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, heavy cream, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.

Cook the Rice

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Serve

Once cooked, remove from heat, let it sit for a few minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding some frozen peas or mushrooms along with the rice. They will cook perfectly in the creamy sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken and Rice is a great dish to store for busy days ahead. Allow the meal to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the mixture and prevent it from drying out.

If you're planning to make this dish ahead for meal prep, consider cooking the chicken and rice separately. This way, you can combine them just before serving, maintaining the dish's creaminess and preventing any potential sogginess. Alternatively, you can freeze the fully cooked meal in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, consider pairing this dish with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing will complement the creamy richness of the chicken and rice beautifully. Another idea is to serve with steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans, which add both color and a nutritious boost.

You can also experiment with variations by tossing in some frozen peas or diced carrots when you add the rice for extra color and nutrition. If you want to spice it up, consider stirring in some red pepper flakes or a dash of paprika to give the dish a pleasant kick. These small adjustments can keep the recipe fresh and exciting!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it. However, the rice may absorb more liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a bit of broth during reheating.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.

→ Is there an alternative to chicken?

Absolutely! You could use diced turkey or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.