Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Feel-Good Plates

I absolutely love making this Creamy One Pot Chicken and Rice for my family. It’s an easy all-in-one dish that infuses every grain of rice with rich flavors from the tender chicken and savory broth. The best part? It cooks in just 30 minutes! The combination of creaminess and the subtle warmth of herbs makes it the ultimate comfort food. Whenever I serve it, I can see everyone’s eyes light up, and it always becomes a requested favorite at our dinner table.

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2026-02-02T02:09:35.614Z

Creating this dish was a delightful experiment in the kitchen. I initially stumbled upon a similar recipe, but I decided to tweak it to include some extra creaminess and a hint of lemon zest for brightness. The rice absorbs all the chicken flavor, resulting in a deliciously satisfying meal. Plus, it's all cooked in one pot, making clean-up a breeze!

What I discovered is that patience is key when simmering the rice and chicken together. I gradually added the broth to let the rice absorb the flavors fully, which led to incredible results. For an added twist, don't hesitate to mix in some frozen peas or spinach at the end for a pop of color and nutrition!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Delicious creamy sauce that coats every grain of rice
One-pot wonder for easy cooking and clean-up
Perfectly tender chicken that melds with rich flavors
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

Mastering One-Pot Cooking

One of the key benefits of this Creamy One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is its simplicity rooted in the one-pot cooking method. Cooking everything in a single pot not only minimizes clean-up but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. I recommend using a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution, which helps keep the chicken moist. If you prefer a deeper flavor, consider using a Dutch oven as it retains heat remarkably well.

Another essential aspect is timing. The initial browning of the chicken is crucial; aim for a golden-brown color on the edges, which adds depth to the dish. After adding the rice, cooking it briefly until glossy before adding the broth helps in achieving a perfect texture. It locks in moisture and enhances the rice's flavor, creating an irresistible creamy sauce.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of chicken thighs is intentional; their higher fat content compared to breasts provides a richer taste and tenderness that perfectly complements the creamy texture of the dish. If chicken thighs are unavailable, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but you may want to add a bit of extra seasoning for depth. Just keep an eye on cooking time; they may cook faster than thighs.

Rice is another critical component in this recipe. Long-grain white rice is ideal because it remains separate and fluffy, absorbing the flavors of the broth without becoming mushy. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute white rice with gluten-free grain or quinoa, but make sure to adjust the liquid ratios and cooking times, as they can differ significantly.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Here's how to make it:

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Cook the Aromatics

In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice, and cook it for another minute. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Simmer and Add the Chicken

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, add the browned chicken back into the pot, and cover. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is cooked.

Stir in Cream and Serve

Finally, stir in the heavy cream and paprika. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite vegetables or spices. Adding some freshly squeezed lemon juice at the end gives it a refreshing kick.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up and warm it gently on the stove until heated through. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can lead to uneven heating and dried-out chicken.

If you want to store this dish for a longer period, consider freezing it. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. This dish can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, following the same method as mentioned for refrigeration to ensure it retains its creamy texture.

Customizing Your Dish

One of the great things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition and color. Add these veggies in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to keep them vibrant and crisp. If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper during the sautéing step for a warm kick.

For a different flavor profile, you can swap the heavy cream for coconut milk. This will give the dish a subtle sweetness and is a delightful option for those who follow a dairy-free diet. Just remember, coconut milk has a distinct taste that pairs beautifully with chicken and spices, so adjust your seasonings accordingly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and add more broth since brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative.

→ Can I prepare this meal in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time. Just add the rice and broth when you're ready to cook.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.