One Pot Creamy Chicken Rice

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

Highlighted under: Family Recipes

I absolutely adore this One Pot Creamy Chicken Rice. From the moment I first made it, I was captivated by the comforting combination of tender chicken and creamy rice that feels like a warm embrace. Not only is it delicious, but it's also incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Plus, I love that everything cooks in one pot, which makes clean-up a breeze! If you're searching for a dish that delights the senses and satisfies the whole family, look no further!

Created by

Gillian Sykes

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:25:35.122Z

When I first tried making One Pot Creamy Chicken Rice, I thought it might be a fussy dish due to its creamy nature. However, I discovered that the secret lies in using a good amount of broth and letting the rice absorb all those incredible flavors. The result was a delightful, creamy dish that was bursting with taste and necessary comfort.

One thing I learned is to ripple in a bit of fresh herb like parsley or thyme right before serving. It elevates the dish remarkably, adding a burst of freshness that balances the richness perfectly. Trust me, this simple step makes all the difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy and comforting flavor that warms the soul
One pot means easy preparation and clean-up
Customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins

Perfecting the Rice

The rice is the heart of this dish, and achieving the perfect texture is essential. It should be fluffy and creamy, absorbing all the flavors from the broth and cream. I recommend using long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, for the best results. These varieties tend to maintain their structure during cooking, allowing for a delightful bite without becoming mushy. If you prefer a more hearty texture, you can substitute with arborio rice, which will add a risotto-like creaminess to the dish.

When adding rice to the pot, make sure to stir it well so that each grain is coated with the savory oil and juices from the chicken. This step enhances the flavor right from the beginning. Keep an eye on the pot as it simmers, making adjustments to the heat as necessary. If the rice begins to stick to the bottom, gently scrape with a wooden spoon to avoid burning.

Creamy Bliss and Flavor Variations

The addition of heavy cream is what truly sets this recipe apart, giving it that luscious, creamy texture. I recommend using full-fat heavy cream for the best consistency, as it integrates beautifully into the dish, creating a decadently rich flavor. If you're looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can also work, but it may alter the creaminess slightly. For dairy-free alternatives, consider using coconut cream or a cashew cream blend, which are excellent substitutes and bring their own unique flavors.

Feel free to jazz up the dish by incorporating vegetables or proteins of your choice. Adding mushrooms or spinach can elevate the taste and nutritional value. If you have leftover roasted vegetables, they can easily be tossed in during the last few minutes of cooking. Similarly, swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu can create exciting variations, just be mindful of cooking times—shrimp cooks quickly, and tofu should be pre-cooked to ensure it's heated through.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting the cooking process to ensure a smooth and organized experience.

Ingredients

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

After preparing the ingredients, you'll be ready to dive into the cooking process.

Instructions

Make sure you have everything you need, and then let’s get cooking!

Sauté the Chicken and Onions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions become translucent.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice, coating it with the oil and juices. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cover, cooking for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.

Add Cream and Peas

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas, mixing until everything is well combined. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the peas to heat up and the flavors to meld.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy chicken rice!

With these simple steps, your delicious One Pot Creamy Chicken Rice will be ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, to enhance the flavor and nutrition. For added richness, you can also substitute part of the chicken broth with white wine.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This One Pot Creamy Chicken Rice is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can prepare the entire dish up to the point before adding the cream and peas. Cool it completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove. Add a splash of additional broth or cream as you warm it to maintain that creamy consistency.

For longer storage, you can freeze this dish. Freeze it in individual portions for easy meals later. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Again, adding a bit of liquid helps revive the creamy texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your rice isn't cooking evenly, it could be due to uneven heat distribution. Stirring occasionally and ensuring you have a tight-fitting lid can help trap steam and promote even cooking. If the rice remains crunchy after the estimated cooking time, you can add a splash more broth and continue cooking covered for an extra 5-10 minutes on low heat.

Another common issue is the dish becoming too thick or sticky. If this happens, it's usually due to either too much rice or not enough liquid. To remedy this, add warm broth gradually while stirring until you reach the desired consistency. Remember to taste and adjust your seasoning once you've added extra liquid!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes! Just be aware that brown rice will need longer to cook, so adjust your time accordingly.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and then reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit of broth to loosen it up.

→ What can I pair with this dish?

This creamy chicken rice pairs excellently with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.