Creamy Chicken And Rice One Pot Dinner

Name: Creamy Chicken And Rice One Pot Dinner
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, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup frozen peas; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Home-Style Comfort Dishes

I absolutely love the convenience and flavor of this Creamy Chicken and Rice One Pot Dinner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I crave something hearty yet comforting. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful rice, and creamy sauce creates a satisfying meal that my whole family enjoys. Plus, the fact that everything cooks together in one pot means less cleanup for me, making it a win-win situation. I can’t wait for you to try it too!

Created by

Evelyn Parker

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:34:11.641Z

When I first experimented with this one-pot recipe, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together. Cooking the chicken and rice in the same pot allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the rice creamy and delicious. I remember the first time I made it; the scents of garlic and chicken wafted through the kitchen, and my family couldn't wait to dig in!

One key tip I've learned is to let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking. This extra time allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and ensures that each bite is perfectly creamy. Trust me; the result is a comforting meal that’s destined to become a family favorite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy texture that comforts the soul
Simple one-pot cooking for easy cleanup
Flavorful chicken seasoned to perfection

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of Arborio rice in this recipe is crucial for achieving that desired creamy texture. Arborio rice has a high starch content, which helps to create a luxurious, velvety consistency as it cooks. If you don't have Arborio on hand, you can substitute with other risotto or short-grain rice, but keep an eye on the cooking time, as different rice varieties may require adjustments.

Using boneless chicken thighs rather than chicken breasts adds a depth of flavor and moistness to the dish. Thighs contain more fat which helps prevent the meat from drying out during cooking. If you're in a pinch, chicken breasts can be used, but be sure to adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking, which can lead to a chewy texture.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

One key to ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked lies in the sautéing process. Cook the chicken until it’s just lightly browned, which not only adds flavor through the Maillard reaction but also helps to seal in juices. Visual cues like a golden-brown surface indicate readiness; this step should take about 5-7 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.

Maintaining the right simmering temperature is important for the rice cooking evenly without becoming mushy. After bringing your broth to a boil, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. The pot should maintain a low bubbling for about 20 minutes. If at any point it seems too dry, or if the rice is not cooking evenly, add a splash more broth to ensure everything stays moist.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Creamy 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, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup frozen peas
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sauté until the chicken is lightly browned.

Add the Rice and Broth

Stir in the Arborio rice until it's coated in the oil. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

Incorporate the Cream

After 20 minutes, stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas. Allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally until the rice is creamy and the chicken is cooked through.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can incorporate your favorite herbs or even a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish.

Storage and Reheating

This Creamy Chicken and Rice dish can easily be stored for later. Once it cools to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container; it should last about 2 months. However, keep in mind that the texture might change slightly after freezing due to the cream.

When reheating, the best method is to warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess. Stir occasionally to ensure an even heat distribution. If microwaving, use medium power in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent the rice from drying out.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving this dish garnished with fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch of color and freshness that enhances the whole meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can elevate the flavor profile even further, making it extra indulgent. Consider pairing it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

If you want to add a little more texture and flavor, toss in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions. For a spicy kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes with the paprika. These variations not only enhance the dish's complexity but also allow you to customize it based on what you have at home or your family's preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of Arborio?

Brown rice requires a different cooking time and liquid ratio, so it’s best to stick with Arborio for this recipe.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

You can substitute half and half for heavy cream or add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice mixture ahead, but it’s best to add the cream just before serving for optimal texture.

→ What can I serve with this meal?

This dish is hearty on its own, but a simple side salad or roasted vegetables can complement it nicely.