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: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Classic Kitchen

I absolutely love making this Creamy One Pot Chicken and Rice on busy weeknights. It’s the perfect comfort dish that brings warmth and satisfaction in just one pot. The rich and creamy texture blends beautifully with tender chicken and flavorful rice, making it an indulgent meal without fuss. I can throw everything together in about 15 minutes, and the slow simmer ensures every bite is packed with flavor. It's a dish my family looks forward to, and I know yours will too!

Created by

Leonie Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-02-01T22:17:36.260Z

When I first discovered this one-pot recipe, it felt like a revelation in my kitchen. The combination of chicken and rice with a creamy sauce creates a deliciously comforting meal that’s easy to prepare. I experimented with different spices and found that a touch of garlic and fresh herbs elevate the dish to another level. This method of cooking everything together lets the rice absorb all the flavors, making every bite a winner!

To make the dish even more special, I like to add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a burst of freshness. It balances perfectly with the creamy richness. I’ve also found that using a good quality chicken broth enhances the overall taste, so I always stick to homemade when I can. Trust me, this will quickly become a favorite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that wraps each bite in comfort
One pot means easy cleanup, perfect for busy nights
Packed with flavor from spices and fresh herbs

Ingredient Insights

The choice of chicken thighs in this recipe is intentional; they remain juicier and more flavorful compared to chicken breasts when cooked. The additional fat content in thighs contributes to the creamy consistency of the dish. If you prefer leaner options, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but keep an eye on cooking time to prevent dryness—about 4-5 minutes should suffice for browning, as they cook faster than thighs.

Using long-grain white rice ensures that each grain stays separate and fluffy, absorbing the broth without becoming mushy. If you only have brown rice on hand, you can substitute it, but remember that it requires a longer cooking time—add about 10 minutes to the simmering step and perhaps a little extra liquid to ensure it cooks through.

Perfecting the Creaminess

Adding heavy cream at the end not only enriches the dish but balances the seasoning beautifully. For a lighter version, half-and-half or even coconut cream can work as substitutes, although they may slightly alter the flavor. When stirring in the cream, let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld with the other ingredients, creating a silky texture that's irresistible.

For those who enjoy a bit of acidity, a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest over the finished dish can brighten the overall flavor. This addition complements the richness and makes each bite exceptionally refreshing.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy One Pot Chicken and Rice is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken and rice part a day ahead; just store it in an airtight container without the cream. When ready to serve, reheat the pot on low heat and stir in the heavy cream until warmed through. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to marry even better overnight.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, gently warm on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to help restore the creamy texture, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice

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

Mix well and let the ingredients harmonize.

Instructions

Directions

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.

Add Aromatics

Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, roughly 3-4 minutes.

Incorporate Rice and Broth

Add the rice, chicken broth, thyme, and paprika. Stir well to combine, then bring to a boil.

Simmer for Creaminess

Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes until rice is cooked through and has absorbed the broth.

Finish with Cream

Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow to sit for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your creamy dish straight from the pot!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for an hour with the spices before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but for a complete meal, consider pairing it with a simple side salad. A mix of leafy greens dressed lightly with olive oil and vinegar complements the rich and creamy characteristics of the chicken and rice well. Adding a fresh crunch will enhance the overall dining experience.

For a heartier meal, serve with crusty bread or warm rolls to soak up the creamy sauce. You might also consider a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with vegetables! Adding peas or spinach toward the end of the cooking process infuses color and nutrients into the dish. Just toss them in when you incorporate the cream, letting the residual heat cook them lightly without losing their vibrant color.

For a unique twist, consider swapping out the paprika for curry powder to bring a warm, aromatic flavor to the dish. This substitution also pairs wonderfully with coconut cream if you're looking for a complete flavor profile shift.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option, but the creaminess will vary.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead and reheated; however, it’s best served fresh for the best texture.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.