One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice

Name: One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: No-Fuss Kitchen Dishes

I love whipping up a comforting meal that doesn't require a lot of cleanup, and this One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice is one of my favorites. It combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce, all made in just one pot. In under an hour, I can have a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family enjoys. The best part? The flavors meld together beautifully while simmering, ensuring each bite is as delicious as the last.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-24T18:19:18.082Z

After experimenting with various one-pot recipes, I found that layering the ingredients appropriately allows the chicken to stay juicy while the rice absorbs all that creamy flavor. The secret lies in using a combination of broth and cream to create a sauce that gently envelops each grain. The last time I made this dish, I added a touch of garlic and a sprinkle of lemon zest, which elevated the entire meal.

One thing I’ve learned is to check the rice as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom and overcook. Stirring just a couple of times while simmering can help keep everything in harmony without losing too much heat. Trust me, this dish has become a regular weeknight favorite in our home!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce clings to the chicken and rice perfectly
Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one pot
Quick preparation time makes it great for busy weeknights

Perfectly Cooked Rice

The success of this One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice hinges on achieving perfectly cooked rice that’s tender and fluffy. To do this, be sure to follow the simmering time closely—approximately 20 minutes. It's crucial to avoid lifting the lid during this time, as the steam is essential for cooking the rice evenly. If the rice seems to be a bit firm when the time is up, cover the pot for an additional few minutes off the heat to allow the residual steam to finish the cooking process.

Using long-grain white rice is recommended for this dish. Its texture helps absorb the cream sauce without becoming overly mushy. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can swap it out for brown rice; however, be aware that you’ll need to increase the cooking time to approximately 35-40 minutes, along with using 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth to compensate for the additional liquid absorption.

Creamy Sauce Layering

The addition of heavy cream is what makes this dish remarkably rich and satisfying. Once you stir in the cream at the end of cooking, do so gently to avoid breaking down the chicken pieces. The goal is to achieve a glossy, cohesive sauce that clings to both the chicken and rice. While I love the flavor of heavy cream, you can also use a combination of half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option, ensuring you add it just at the end to prevent curdling.

Consider incorporating different herbs or spices for a personalized twist. A tablespoon of freshly chopped dill or basil can elevate the flavor profile significantly, complementing the chicken and creamy sauce. This versatility allows you to customize each batch according to your family’s preferences while maintaining the dish's overall integrity.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

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

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can move on to the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice:

Sear the Chicken

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

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the rice and dried thyme, followed by the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and return the chicken to the pot.

Simmer

Cover the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Add Cream and Serve

Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Now your meal is ready to serve!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding some frozen peas or spinach right before serving. They’ll add color and healthy greens to your dish.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to prepare this dish in advance, you can do so up to the point of adding the cream. Cook the chicken and rice, then cool and store the mix in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, simply heat the mixture on the stovetop over medium heat and stir in the heavy cream until heated through, keeping the dish creamy and flavorful.

Another option is to freeze the cooked chicken and rice mixture—just omit the cream until you're ready to reheat. It can be stored for up to 3 months in an airtight container. When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the same steps to add the cream for a last-minute touch of richness.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the dining experience, serve this One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice alongside a bright salad or steamed vegetables. The freshness of a mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette can nicely cut through the richness of the dish, providing a balanced meal. Additionally, crusty bread is fantastic for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.

For a delightful presentation, consider topping each serving with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor. This small enhancement can turn a comforting dish into a gourmet experience, making every bite unique and enjoyable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

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

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it gently on the stovetop when ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if you want a lighter version.

→ Is this recipe freezable?

Yes, this dish can be frozen. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container.