Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Highlighted under: Rustic Planning

I absolutely love this Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice dish! It's become one of my go-to meals because it’s so simple yet incredibly flavorful. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice is just irresistible. Plus, cooking everything in one pot saves on cleanup time, which is a huge bonus for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish comes together effortlessly and is sure to impress family and friends alike. I can't wait for you to try this recipe that has won a special place in my heart!

Created by

Jemima Fox

Last updated on 2026-02-01T22:01:35.442Z

When I first made this Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice, it was a chilly evening, and I was craving something hearty. I decided to throw together what I had in my pantry, and the results were astonishing! The creamy texture paired with the savory chicken and rice created a comforting dish that kept me warm inside out.

One tip I discovered along the way was to let the rice sit for a few minutes after cooking. This resting period allows the flavors to meld perfectly, ensuring every bite is deliciously satisfying. Add in some fresh herbs at the end for a burst of brightness, and you have a genuinely delicious meal!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        One-pot convenience makes for easy cleanup
Creamy texture that hugs each grain of rice
Flavorful chicken that's perfectly cooked every time

      

Mastering the Creamy Texture

To achieve the perfect creamy texture in this dish, using heavy cream is essential. It significantly contributes to the richness of the sauce, enveloping the rice in a silky coating. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or even unsweetened almond milk. Just be aware that while these alternatives will reduce the creaminess, they can still provide a satisfying flavor profile.

It's important to stir the cream into the dish gently once it’s added, ensuring it blends well with the broth and doesn't curdle. Aim for a simmer rather than a rapid boil after adding the cream; this helps maintain that velvety texture without risking separation.

Cooking Rice to Perfection

Cooking the rice properly is critical to the success of this one-pot dish. Long-grain white rice is recommended for its ability to absorb liquid and become fluffy without turning mushy. Be sure to rinse the rice under cold water before adding it to the dish to remove excess starch, which can lead to clumping during the cooking process. This simple step can enhance the overall texture of your meal.

When combining the rice with the broth, make sure the liquid is at a gentle simmer before covering the pot. Keeping the heat steady at low helps the rice cook evenly, allowing it to absorb all the flavors from the chicken and broth while preventing overcooking.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice:

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Combine Rice and Broth

Add the rice to the pot along with the chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Stir well, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.

Add Chicken and Cream

Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer.

Cook Until Done

Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your creamy one pot chicken and rice!

Pro Tips

To elevate the dish, consider adding some frozen peas or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking for additional flavor and nutrition.

Storage Tips

This Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the dish to prevent it from drying out, and warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. Stir occasionally to maintain a creamy consistency.

If you're looking to prepare the dish ahead of time, consider cooking the chicken and rice separately. You can sauté the chicken and prepare the rice, then combine them right before serving. This allows you to enjoy freshly cooked chicken and maintain an ideal texture in your rice.

Flavor Variations

While the recipe is delightful as is, feel free to experiment with flavor additions! For a burst of freshness, add a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt perfectly and enhance the dish with added nutrition and color.

If you're a fan of spices, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a subtle kick. Alternatively, incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary can lend a lovely earthiness to the flavor profile. Adjust these variations based on your personal preferences or what you have on hand!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

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

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure that the chicken broth and all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.