Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1 cup long-grain rice; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Zest of 1 lemon (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Modern Comfort Food Inspiration

I love creating dishes that are not only comforting but also simple to prepare, and this Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice does just that. The combination of tender chicken, creamy rice, and aromatic herbs makes it a family favorite. In just one pot, I can serve a hearty meal that warms both the heart and soul. Best of all, cleanup is a breeze! I find that the addition of a splash of lemon juice at the end balances the creaminess perfectly, bringing all the flavors together beautifully.

Created by

Bryony Wells

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:33:36.521Z

From the moment the chicken hits the hot pan, I know we're in for a treat. I've discovered that browning the chicken first creates depth in flavor, which is essential in making the rice rich and creamy. I love hearing that sizzle—it’s the soundtrack to an unforgettable meal.

As I stir in the rice and let it simmer, I find myself looking forward to that first forkful. A sprinkle of parsley and lemon zest not only adds a pop of color but also elevates the flavors, making every bite just the right amount of bright and creamy. This dish is a hug in a bowl!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy texture that's incredibly comforting
One-pot convenience for easy cooking and cleanup
Versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables

Mastering the One-Pot Technique

The one-pot cooking method streamlines meal preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The key to a successful creamy chicken and rice dish lies in layering flavors—begin with sautéing the chicken properly until it achieves a golden brown crust. This not only enhances the chicken's flavor but also creates a fond on the bottom of the pot, which adds richness to the final dish. Keep an eye on the temperature; medium heat is often the sweet spot to avoid burning the garlic and onion that follow.

As you introduce the rice and broth, make sure to bring the mixture to a rolling boil before reducing the heat. The right boiling point will help the rice absorb flavors more effectively while cooking. Covering the pot is crucial during this simmering phase as it traps steam, ensuring each grain cooks evenly. If you notice the rice isn’t absorbing the liquid as expected, you may need to lower the heat slightly and let it simmer longer, checking every few minutes.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of chicken thighs over breasts is intentional; thighs remain juicy and tender, making them ideal for this creamy dish. They also hold up well during cooking, preventing dryness, which is essential for a satisfying bite. If you want a leaner option, skinless chicken breasts work too, but be cautious not to overcook them to avoid toughness. For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for about 30 minutes before sautéing, introducing more depth to the dish.

Rice selection matters as well—using long-grain rice suits this recipe best because it remains fluffy and separates nicely during cooking. Basmati or Jasmine rice can be substituted if preferred. For a pop of freshness, don’t skip the lemon zest; it brightens the entire dish. Additionally, if you want to sneak in more nutrition, feel free to swap half the peas with chopped spinach or kale. Just add these greens towards the end of cooking to retain their vibrant color and nutrients.

Serving and Storage Tips

I love serving this creamy chicken and rice with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, which adds a lovely touch of color and a hint of herbal brightness. Pair it with a simple green salad on the side to enhance the meal's freshness. If you want to elevate the dish, a drizzle of balsamic glaze can provide an exciting contrast to the creamy texture, making it feel more gourmet without extra work.

As for leftovers, store any uneaten portion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to help restore creaminess. If you want to freeze the dish, consider doing so before adding the cream and peas. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and finish cooking as directed to maintain the best creamy texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 cup long-grain rice
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Zest of 1 lemon (for garnish)

Instructions

Sauté Chicken

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Cook Onions and Garlic

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes, covered.

Combine and Finish

After 15 minutes, add the chicken back to the pot along with the heavy cream and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy. Stir in the lemon zest before serving.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with white wine. You can also throw in any vegetables you have on hand, like spinach or bell peppers, to increase the nutritional value.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the sauce isn't as creamy as you'd like, ensure you're using heavy cream instead of lighter alternatives like half-and-half or milk. Heavy cream not only adds richness but also helps create a velvety texture that coats the rice and chicken exquisitely. If you find it too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.

Another frequent concern is unevenly cooked rice. If some grains remain undercooked while others are overdone, it could be due to varying heat distribution in your pot. Try using a pot with a heavy-bottom to promote even heat, and ensure you're not overcrowding the pan. Adjusting cooking times for larger quantities can also help; increase the simmering time slightly while keeping the lid on.

Flavor Variations

To create an entirely different flavor profile, consider adding spices such as paprika or Italian herbs like oregano and thyme during the onion and garlic sauté stage. These spices infuse the oil with their essence, enriching the dish's overall flavor. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be incorporated along with the garlic, giving your creamy creation a delightful kick.

If you're looking to add more substance or nutritional variety, incorporating chopped bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms can be great choices. Sauté them after the onions and before the garlic so they soften and release their flavors. The versatility of this dish makes it easy to adapt to seasonal vegetables or personal preferences, ensuring it feels fresh every time you make it.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you'll need to increase the cooking time and add more liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter option, though the texture may vary.

→ Can this recipe be made in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time, just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.