Creamy Chicken And Rice One Pot Dinner

Name: Creamy Chicken And Rice One Pot Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups of rice; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup frozen peas; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Classics

I love making this Creamy Chicken and Rice One Pot Dinner because it's an effortless way to serve a comforting meal to my family. Combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a luscious creamy sauce all in one pot makes clean-up a breeze. Plus, the rich flavors meld beautifully as everything simmers together, making it a hit for busy weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. Trust me, when you taste this dish, you’ll appreciate how easy yet delicious it is to whip up.

Created by

Jasmine Porter

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:07:19.337Z

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how all the ingredients came together in such harmony. The slow cooking allows the chicken to retain its juiciness while the rice absorbs all that creamy goodness. I’ve found that using a good quality chicken broth really elevates the dish, providing a depth of flavor that enhances every bite.

Simplifying my cooking routine is essential, and this one-pot wonder is my go-to solution. To add a touch of brightness, I often sprinkle some fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon on top just before serving, which really ties the dish together and adds a fresh kick.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
One-pot convenience that saves time on clean-up
Creamy, flavorful sauce that coats every bite
Tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice in one dish

Ingredient Insights

The foundation of this Creamy Chicken and Rice One Pot Dinner lies in the quality of its ingredients, particularly the chicken broth. Opt for a low-sodium broth to control the salt level, allowing the rich flavors from the chicken, onions, and garlic to shine through. If you want a more robust taste, consider using homemade broth or adding a splash of white wine to boost the flavor profile, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.

Rice plays a crucial role in the texture of this meal. Long-grain white rice is ideal as it cooks evenly and absorbs the creamy sauce without turning mushy. If you prefer a healthier option, brown rice is a great substitute; however, it will require a longer cooking time, roughly 10-15 minutes more, so be prepared to adjust the liquid accordingly.

Techniques for Success

When sautéing the chicken, ensure your pot is hot enough to achieve a nice golden-brown crust. This enhances the flavor and contributes to the dish's richness. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lead to steaming rather than browning. If your pot is small, cook the chicken in batches to get that perfect sear. Watch carefully; overcooking can dry out the chicken, so aim for just golden edges before removing it from the pot.

Controlling the simmer is essential for evenly cooked rice. Once you add the rice and broth, bring it to a rolling boil before reducing the heat to low. A gentle simmer is key; too much heat can cause the rice to stick to the bottom or cook unevenly. Use a tight-fitting lid to trap steam, ensuring the rice cooks through without adding more liquid prematurely.

Ingredients

2 cups of rice
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned, 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 is translucent, about 3 minutes.

Add the Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice until it’s coated with the oil and then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to low and return the chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.

Add Cream and Peas

Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas. Cook for another 5 minutes until the peas are heated through and the mixture is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy hot!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider using a mix of chicken thighs and breasts or adding some grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This creamy chicken and rice dish is incredibly meal prep-friendly. You can easily prepare it in advance, allowing the flavors to marry overnight in the fridge. When storing, cool the dish completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.

For longer storage, consider freezing leftovers. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in a microwave, adding a little liquid if necessary to maintain creaminess. Avoid freezing the dish with fresh peas if you prefer their vibrant texture; you can add them fresh during reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delectable one-pot meal with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a satisfying family dinner. The creamy sauce is perfect for sopping up with bread, adding to the comfort factor of your meal. For a complete experience, consider pairing it with a light, chilled white wine like Chardonnay, which complements the dish's richness beautifully.

You can also customize the dish by adding other vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers along with the peas for added color and nutrition. If you’re a fan of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile, giving your Creamy Chicken and Rice a delightful kick!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time. You may need to increase the broth and cooking time accordingly.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove before serving.

→ Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas and the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and it will be just as delicious!

→ What can I serve with this dish?

It's a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a more filling dinner.