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: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup jasmine rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup frozen peas; Chopped parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Cozy Planning

I absolutely love making this Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice when I need a comforting and hearty meal that requires minimal cleanup. The magic happens in just one pot, which means less fuss and more flavor. With tender chicken, creamy rice, and a blend of savory spices, it’s a dish that not only nourishes but also warms the heart. I often prepare it on busy weeknights, and it's always a hit with my family. Plus, it gives me a chance to experiment with whatever veggies I have on hand!

Created by

Blythe Rowland

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:21:35.742Z

When I first tried this One Pot Chicken and Rice, I was blown away by how simple yet delicious it was. Cooking everything in one pot allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience. I used a combination of chicken thighs for added flavor and jasmine rice for its perfect cooking properties. The result was creamy, rich, and filling!

One tip I learned is to let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the chicken to stay juicy and helps the rice to absorb any remaining liquid, resulting in the ideal consistency. Trust me, the patience pays off!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy texture that satisfies every craving
One pot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal
Versatile recipe—customize with your favorite vegetables

Key Techniques for Perfect Creamy Rice

Achieving the perfect creamy texture in this dish relies heavily on the right rice choice. Jasmine rice is preferred for its aromatic quality and ability to absorb flavors. When rinsing the rice before cooking, be sure to wash it until the water runs clear; this step removes excess starch and helps prevent excess stickiness, ensuring a fluffy finish. I recommend soaking the rice in water for about 15-20 minutes prior to cooking for better texture and absorbing capabilities.

When simmering the chicken and rice combination, keeping a close eye on the heat level is essential. A high simmer (small bubbles breaking the surface) will cook the rice thoroughly without burning; if the heat is too low, the rice may become mushy. I suggest checking the pot every 5 minutes to stir and monitor the moisture. If you notice it's too dry before the 20 minutes are up, feel free to add a splash of extra chicken broth.

Choosing Additions Wisely

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the dish by incorporating seasonal vegetables. If you have bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach on hand, they can be sautéed with the onions and garlic, enriching the dish with added nutrients and flavor. Cook heartier vegetables like carrots or broccoli slightly longer before adding the rice, so they soften perfectly by the time the dish is done.

Remember to adjust cooking times when substituting ingredients. For instance, adding fresh peas instead of frozen will require you to incorporate them earlier in the cooking process to prevent a raw flavor. While frozen peas cook quickly (just a few minutes at the end), fresh ones might need about 5-7 minutes with the rice to become tender yet vibrant.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're looking to plan ahead, this Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice holds well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, add a touch of chicken broth or water to revive the creamy texture as it can thicken in storage. Gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to ensure even heating without scorching.

For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to 2 months. Once cooled, divide the dish into single servings and freeze in sturdy containers or freezer bags. To reheat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and use the stovetop method once again, adding a splash of cream or broth for creaminess. This way, you can enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort any night of the week.

Ingredients

Gather all of your ingredients before starting to make this process smoother.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup frozen peas
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for a perfect dish!

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and brown them in the pot for about 5 minutes per side, until golden. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the jasmine rice, then pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Return the chicken thighs to the pot, reduce to a simmer, and cover for 20 minutes.

Finish with Cream

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat until everything is heated through.

Serve

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

Enjoy your creamy one pot chicken and rice with your favorite side salad!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in herbs and spices before cooking. Additionally, feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for a colorful twist!

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread. The creaminess of the chicken and rice contrasts nicely with a tangy vinaigrette, which can add a burst of freshness to your meal. I find that adding a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors even further, making each bite a delightful experience.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider serving this dish with a side of spicy roasted vegetables or a dash of red pepper flakes sprinkled over the top. You could also complement it with a dollop of sour cream, which will enhance the creamy elements while providing a cool contrast.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your rice seems undercooked after the 20 minutes, don't worry! Simply add a little more chicken broth or water, cover, and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keeping the pot covered traps steam and allows the rice to cook evenly. Just ensure to check frequently to avoid it becoming overcooked and mushy, especially as brown rice may require a few more minutes than jasmine.

On the other hand, if you notice your dish is excessively creamy or thick, adding a splash of broth or even some water while stirring can save the day. Keep the pot on low heat while doing this to ensure proper mixing and heating without losing the creaminess that makes this recipe special.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up to serve a larger group can be a breeze! Simply maintain the same ratio of ingredients. For instance, if you're doubling the recipe, use 8 chicken thighs, 2 cups of rice, and 4 cups of broth. Be mindful, however, that cooking times may vary slightly—monitor the rice closely, as larger quantities may require a tad more simmering to ensure even cooking.

When scaling down, consider cooking the meal in a smaller pot or even using a large skillet if necessary. This helps with heat distribution and ensures every grain gets the attention it needs for perfect doneness. Adjust the seasoning carefully as well; a little less salt and pepper can help balance flavors in smaller batches without losing the dish's integrity.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require more cooking time and additional liquid. Adjust accordingly.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it. Just be mindful of adding a splash of broth when reheating to maintain creaminess.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! Substitute chicken with plant-based proteins and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ How can I store leftovers?

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