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: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Chopped parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Hearty Kitchen

I absolutely love making this Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice because it combines comfort and convenience in the best way possible. The creamy sauce envelops tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a dish that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. I often find myself busy during the week, and this recipe allows me to whip up a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a total crowd-pleaser that my family keeps asking for again and again!

Created by

Maribel Hawthorne

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:33:36.077Z

One of my favorite aspects of this creamy chicken and rice dish is how versatile it can be. I often experiment by adding different vegetables or spices based on what's in my fridge. Recently, I incorporated spinach and bell peppers for a pop of color and extra nutrients, and it turned out beautifully! The method works because the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors as it cooks, making every bite just perfect.

Timing is key for achieving that creamy texture. I’ve learned that letting the mixture simmer gently allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Also, stirring in a bit of cream at the very end makes it luxuriously rich. Don’t skip this step; it elevates the entire dish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
One-pot convenience that simplifies dinner prep
Rich creaminess that satisfies every palate
Flexibility to customize with your favorite veggies
Perfect comfort food that's great for any occasion

Understanding Your Ingredients

The combination of rice and chicken broth is key to achieving the right flavor and texture in this dish. Long-grain rice, like Basmati or Jasmine, absorbs the liquid well while remaining fluffy. If you opt for brown rice, remember it requires a longer cooking time, about 40-45 minutes, and additional liquid too. Also, using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of your final dish more effectively than regular broth.

Heavy cream brings a rich, velvety texture to the sauce, making every bite indulgent. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, but the sauce may not be as thick. I recommend avoiding low-fat options, as they can curdle when heated. For a dairy-free alternative, you could use coconut milk, which pairs well with the spices and adds a subtle sweetness.

Timing and Technique

Getting the sauté right is crucial for depth of flavor. Ensure your chicken is evenly spread in the pot while browning; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead. After about 5-7 minutes, your chicken should have golden-brown edges, which indicates it's ready to be removed. This not only enhances the taste but also helps to develop fond at the bottom of the pot that adds richness to the final dish.

When combining the ingredients after you sauté, your pot should be on high heat to bring everything to a rapid boil before covering it. This step ensures the rice cooks perfectly and absorbs the flavorful broth. It's essential to avoid lifting the lid during the 20-minute simmer as this releases steam and can lead to undercooked rice. Trust the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a comforting meal!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Enjoy Your Meal!

Cooking Steps

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and sauté until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

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

Combine Ingredients

Add the rice, chicken broth, and the browned chicken back into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover, letting it simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the broth.

Make it Creamy

Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy your creamy one pot chicken and rice!

Happy Cooking!

Pro Tips

For an added flavor boost, consider marinating the chicken in a bit of lemon juice and spices for a couple of hours before cooking. This can enhance the overall taste and make your dish even more delightful.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This creamy one pot chicken and rice is excellent for meal prep. You can cook it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the creaminess and prevent it from drying out. Heat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through—about 10-15 minutes.

If you're looking to freeze it, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the creaminess might change slightly upon thawing, so stirring well and adding a touch more broth during reheating can help restore its original texture.

Variations to Consider

This comfort dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or proteins. For a burst of color and nutrition, consider folding in some spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking. If you prefer a protein swap, diced pork or sautéed shrimp can also work, but be mindful of cooking times—shrimp will cook much quicker, usually within 10 minutes.

For a flavor twist, try adding different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or even a splash of lemon juice to brighten up the dish. Introducing these elements can create a completely different experience without compromising the essence of this creamy, satisfying meal.

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 liquid to about 2.5 cups for brown rice.

→ What vegetables can I add?

You can add spinach, peas, bell peppers, or any other vegetables you like. Just add them 5 minutes before the rice finishes cooking.

→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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