One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Rice: Comfort Made Easy
There’s nothing more comforting than a creamy, flavorful chicken and rice dish cooked all in one pot. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a luscious, creamy sauce come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
One-pot meals are a game-changer for home cooks. Less cleanup, fewer dishes, and minimal prep make this recipe approachable for any skill level. Plus, the creamy texture of the rice pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and subtle seasonings.
Ingredients
One-Pot Chicken & Rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast.
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Return chicken to the pot, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in frozen peas (if using) and Parmesan cheese. Cover for 2-3 minutes to let peas cook through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Creamiest Chicken & Rice
- Rice Choice: Long-grain white rice works best; avoid quick-cooking varieties for perfect texture.
- Add Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be added for extra nutrition.
- Cheese Variations: Swap Parmesan with Gruyère or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice makes this dish irresistible. It’s versatile enough to serve as a family dinner, meal prep for the week, or even a cozy dish for guests. The one-pot method ensures every grain of rice absorbs maximum flavor, leaving you with a rich and comforting meal.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 8%
- Vitamin C: 4%
- Calcium: 12%
- Iron: 10%
One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast.
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Return chicken to the pot, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in frozen peas (if using) and Parmesan cheese. Cover for 2-3 minutes to let peas cook through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
