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: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; Parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Recipes

I love making this creamy one pot chicken and rice when I want something comforting and satisfying. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way all the flavors meld together beautifully as it cooks. With tender chicken, hearty rice, and a luscious creamy sauce, it's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze since everything is made in one pot! I can't wait to share this delightfully rich recipe with you.

Created by

Juniper Hale

Last updated on 2026-02-01T15:13:36.614Z

When I first made this creamy one pot chicken and rice, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to achieve such a rich flavor. By sautéing the chicken until golden and then allowing it to simmer with the rice, all those delicious juices infuse the dish. I found that adding a splash of white wine elevates the flavor even more!

One tip I like to share is to use a good quality chicken broth instead of water, as it significantly enhances the overall taste. It’s a foolproof recipe that really allows the ingredients to shine, making it a staple in my kitchen!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy texture that makes every bite feel indulgent
One pot means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
A comforting dish that's perfect for any family dinner

      

Balancing Flavors

The key to a delicious creamy one pot chicken and rice lies in the balance of flavors. Starting with well-seasoned chicken creates a robust foundation. When sautéing, look for that golden brown crust on the chicken, as it adds depth and richness to the overall dish. Don’t skip on seasoning; the chicken should be generously seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance both the protein and the ensuing creamy sauce.

Incorporating aromatics like onion and garlic not only adds a fragrant base, but also layers of flavor that infuse the rice. The sautéing process should render the onions translucent and the garlic fragrant, typically taking about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial, as skipping it may result in a lack of depth in your dish.

Perfecting the Rice

Choosing the right rice is essential for texture. Long-grain rice tends to hold its shape well during cooking, which is ideal for this dish. When you add the rice to the pot with the broth, ensure the liquid is at a rolling boil. This not only ensures each grain cooks evenly but also prevents mushiness. Stirring the rice lightly with the onions and garlic helps to coat it in flavor before adding the broth.

After returning the chicken to the pot, its juices will mix with the rice, enhancing the overall flavor. Make sure to cover the pot tightly to trap the steam, which is crucial for properly cooking the rice. Test for doneness after 15-20 minutes; the rice should be tender but still have a slight bite, referred to as al dente.

Creamy Finish

The addition of heavy cream transforms this dish from ordinary to luxurious. Once the rice is tender, stirring in the cream helps bind all the elements while adding a velvety texture. Allow the mixture to bubble gently for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is combined and glossy. If the sauce seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

For a pop of color and freshness, I recommend adding peas right before serving. If using frozen peas, there's no need to thaw them first; they’ll cook quickly in the residual heat. This not only enhances the dish visually but also incorporates a subtle sweetness that balances the creaminess.

Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
Parsley for garnish

Make sure to have everything measured out for a seamless cooking experience.

Instructions

Follow these steps closely to ensure the dish turns out perfectly.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add them to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Combine Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice, mixing well with the onion and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Add Chicken and Simmer

Return the browned chicken to the pot, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked.

Stir in Cream and Peas

Once the rice is tender, stir in the heavy cream and peas. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy one pot chicken and rice!

Serve hot and enjoy the creamy goodness!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary while cooking. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can also elevate the dish.

Ingredient Tips

The choice of chicken is important. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and provide a mild flavor, but you can easily substitute thighs for a richer taste. If you prefer a more robust chicken flavor, marinating the chicken beforehand in buttermilk or yogurt can tenderize the meat while infusing it with moisture.

Heavy cream is essential for achieving that indulgent texture, but if you need a lighter alternative, consider using half-and-half or a dairy-free substitution like coconut cream. Keep in mind, though, that these alternatives might change the final flavor profile slightly.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This dish is great for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating is simple: just add a splash of broth or water and warm it slowly in a pot over medium heat to prevent sticking.

If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat on the stove to maintain its creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken and rice dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving with a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce, making for a delightful dining experience.

You can also elevate it by adding grated Parmesan cheese just before serving, which adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess. For a little kick, try sprinkling some red pepper flakes on top to enhance the richness of the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can! However, you will need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid since brown rice requires more time to cook.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

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

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach is a great way to enhance the dish's nutritional value.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.