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; 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Simple Food

I absolutely love making this Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice for busy weeknights. It's not only comforting but also a hassle-free dish that comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. The creamy sauce envelops tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, creating a cozy meal that's sure to please the whole family. Plus, it’s packed with flavor from the garlic, onions, and herbs. Trust me, this recipe will become a staple in your home just like it did in mine.

Created by

Ivy Sanderson

Last updated on 2026-02-01T16:01:35.456Z

When I first attempted making this dish, I was surprised by how simple and delicious it turned out. I took two family-favorite recipes—chicken and rice—and combined them in one pot for a creamy, satisfying meal. The key to the rich flavor is ensuring the chicken is seared to perfection before adding the rice, as it builds a delicious base.

One tip I’ve learned is to let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the rice absorbs any leftover sauce, making every bite irresistibly creamy. It’s perfect for those cozy nights in!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy sauce that melds perfectly with tender chicken
One pot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy
Versatile ingredients that can be adjusted to your pantry

      

The Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce in this dish is the star, as it enriches the chicken and rice. The combination of heavy cream and chicken broth creates a luxurious mouthfeel that clings to every ingredient. To achieve the perfect consistency, make sure to stir in the heavy cream at the end—this prevents it from curdling. If you find the sauce too thick, simply add a splash of additional chicken broth until it reaches your desired creaminess.

For those looking to lighten up this recipe, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. The flavor will still be rich, while reducing some of the calories. Another option is to use coconut milk for a dairy-free version, adding a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the thyme and chicken.

Ingredient Versatility

This recipe is incredibly adaptable based on what you have on hand. Feel free to swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts, though be mindful that they may cook faster; keep an eye on them after they’ve been added to prevent overcooking. If you need a vegetarian alternative, replace the chicken with an equivalent amount of firm tofu, seasoned and sautéed separately before being added back into the pot.

The rice can also vary—while long-grain rice is used here for its fluffiness, jasmine or basmati will work beautifully too, imparting a slightly different aroma. If you're gluten-free, substitute the regular chicken broth with a gluten-free version, and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious one-pot meal:

Ingredients

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

These ingredients will come together to create a wonderful meal!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your one-pot wonder:

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add Rice and Liquid

Add the rice to the pot and stir for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and return the chicken to the pot.

Simmer

Cover and simmer on low for about 20 minutes until the rice is cooked through and the broth is absorbed.

Finish with Cream

Stir in the heavy cream and thyme, mixing gently. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Enjoy your creamy one pot dish – it’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth or add a splash of white wine before simmering the rice.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Creamy One Pot Chicken and Rice is perfect for meal prep, as it stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Consider making a double batch at the start of the week! Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to airtight containers. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water and microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

If you plan on freezing this dish, I recommend doing so before adding the heavy cream. Once it’s cooled, portion it out in freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat and stir in the heavy cream just before serving for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving, this dish shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables adds a refreshing contrast. If you want to elevate the meal further, top it with grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick. Fresh herbs like chives or dill can also enhance the presentation and flavor.

For a hearty twist, consider adding a cup of frozen peas or chopped spinach into the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Their vibrant color and mild flavor complement the creaminess while providing additional nutrients and texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but note that brown rice will require a longer cooking time. Adjust the broth and simmer time accordingly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add peas, carrots, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure your rice is also gluten-free.