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 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup Arborio rice; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Chopped parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Cooking Made Easy

I love making Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice because it brings back fond memories of family dinners that were both comforting and delicious. This dish is a great way to combine tender chicken with creamy rice, all made in one pot for easy cleanup. I appreciate how the ingredients come together to create a rich flavor profile that satisfies the whole family. Plus, it's perfect for a busy weeknight, taking less than an hour from start to finish!

Created by

Tessa Wright

Last updated on 2026-02-01T19:49:36.527Z

When I first attempted this dish, I was amazed at how simple it was to create something so flavorful. The method of cooking everything in one pot not only reduces the mess but also enhances the flavors as they meld together. I remember thinking how the chicken turned juicy and tender while the rice soaked up all those delicious juices.

One key tip I picked up was to let the rice rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows it to absorb any remaining moisture and reach that perfect creamy consistency. Each time I make it, I’m reminded of why this has become a family favorite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy, rich flavor that comforts you from the first bite
One pot means less cleanup and more time to relax
Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or spices

The Creamy Factor

The key to achieving that rich and creamy texture in your One Pot Chicken and Rice lies in the heavy cream and Arborio rice. Arborio rice, commonly used in risotto, has a high starch content that helps thicken the dish, creating a luscious mouthfeel. When combined with heavy cream, the result is indulgently creamy rice that clings to the tender chicken pieces beautifully.

For the best results, remember to stir often after adding the cream to prevent any sticking or burning at the bottom of the pot. I suggest using a spatula to gently scrape the bottom while mixing to ensure even heat distribution and avoid any potential clumps.

Customization Options

One of the great aspects of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to throw in your favorite vegetables—peas, spinach, or bell peppers can all enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition. If you're adding quick-cooking veggies like spinach or peas, toss them in during the last five minutes of cooking for perfectly tender results without overcooking them.

Spice enthusiasts might want to consider adding smoked paprika or Italian seasoning during the sautéing stage to deepen the dish's flavor profile. Alternatively, for a touch of freshness, a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking can brighten the overall taste remarkably.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the Chicken and Rice

1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup Arborio rice
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

Instructions

Cooking Steps:

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the Arborio rice, ensuring it gets well-coated with the oil and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Stir in Cream

Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes for a creamy finish. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider incorporating some vegetables like spinach or peas during the cooking process. They will complement the dish and boost its nutrition considerably.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This creamy chicken and rice dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and reheat it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. If you plan to make it ahead, consider undercooking the rice slightly so it holds up better during freezing and reheating.

To store, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out, and warm it on low heat on the stove.

Troubleshooting Tips

The creamy consistency is generally a hallmark of this dish; however, if you find that your rice isn’t as creamy as you'd like, consider adding more heavy cream or an extra splash of broth gradually as it simmers. Remember to keep an eye on the heat level—too high and the liquid will evaporate too quickly, resulting in drier rice.

If your chicken pieces end up overcooked and dry, a simple remedy is to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you notice signs of overcooking, removing the pot from heat earlier is your best bet when testing doneness is tricky.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of Arborio rice?

Yes, but note that brown rice requires more cooking time and liquid. Adjust accordingly.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut milk as lighter alternatives.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to regain creaminess.