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 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Food Favorites

I love making creamy one pot chicken and rice when I want a cozy meal that’s easy to whip up. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice creates a delightful comfort dish that my whole family enjoys. In just one pot, you can create layers of flavor that develop as everything cooks together. Plus, the minimal cleanup makes this a meal I return to time and again, especially on busy weeknights.

Created by

Lucy Thompson

Last updated on 2026-01-24T14:49:34.766Z

When I first tried one pot cooking, I was amazed at how easy and flavorful it could be. The creamy texture that forms as the chicken and rice simmer together is simply irresistible. I like to add a bit of garlic and onion at the start to build a base of flavor that permeates the dish. If you're short on time, this recipe is a lifesaver!

I also experimented with different herbs and spices, but I found that a touch of thyme really elevates this dish. It balances the creaminess and adds a fresh note that complements the chicken beautifully. Don’t skip out on that – it’s a game changer!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
One-pot simplicity for easy cleanup
Rich, creamy flavor that’s comforting and satisfying
Customizable with your choice of vegetables or spices

Mastering the Creamy Sauce

The heavy cream is what truly elevates this chicken and rice dish from ordinary to extraordinary. When combined with the chicken broth, it creates a luscious sauce that coats the rice and chicken beautifully. To make the sauce even richer, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the onions and garlic for an extra layer of flavor.

If you're aiming for a lighter option, you could substitute the heavy cream with half and half, though the sauce won't be as thick and rich. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works well; it will impart a subtle tropical flavor that pairs surprisingly well with chicken.

Perfecting Your Rice

Using long-grain rice is key to achieving the perfect texture in this dish. This type of rice stays fluffy and separates nicely rather than clumping together. When adding rice to the pot, make sure to stir it in well to ensure that each grain gets coated with the creamy sauce. This helps prevent any from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.

If you want to enhance the flavor of the rice further, consider toasting it in the pot for a few minutes before adding the liquids. This simple step adds a nutty aroma that complements the chicken beautifully. Just watch closely to avoid burning—golden brown is what you’re aiming for!

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother.

Main Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have everything prepped before cooking for best results!

Cooking Steps

Follow these steps carefully for a successful dish.

Sauté the 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. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.

Add Rice and Liquids

Stir in the rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Place the chicken back into the pot, nestling it into the rice.

Simmer

Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. In the last 5 minutes, add the frozen peas.

Serve

Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Enjoy your creamy creation!

Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs if you like!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding parmesan cheese just before serving! It melts beautifully with the creamy rice.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers from this creamy chicken and rice dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When storing, try to separate the chicken from the rice if possible, as this will help maintain the texture of the rice. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out.

For freezing, allow the dish to cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, place it in the fridge overnight to thaw, then reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of liquid to keep it creamy.

Fun Variations to Try

Customize this dish by incorporating your favorite vegetables! You can easily swap out the frozen peas for fresh spinach, broccoli florets, or even diced bell peppers. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly; add denser vegetables earlier in the process for adequate cooking.

You can also experiment with different proteins. Shrimp or sliced sausage can be added at the same point as the chicken for a delightful twist. Just ensure they’re fully cooked through before serving—shrimp should turn pink and opaque, while sausage should be browned.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount since brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.

→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Try adding carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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