Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced; 1 cup Arborio rice; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup frozen peas; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for cooking

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Food Recipes

I absolutely love making Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice on busy weeknights. This dish not only delivers on flavor, but it also simplifies my cooking routine since everything is prepared in a single pot. The creamy sauce envelops perfectly cooked chicken and rice, making every forkful delightful. It’s a satisfying meal that the whole family enjoys, and the best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes! Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your weeknight rotation.

Created by

Amelia Roberts

Last updated on 2026-02-01T21:13:35.814Z

When I first tried making one-pot meals, I realized how much time I was saving without sacrificing flavor. This Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice quickly became a family favorite in our house. The key to a great texture is using the right amount of chicken broth, which enhances the flavor and ensures the rice is perfectly tender.

Another tip I've discovered is to let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving; this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving adds a pop of color and freshness that elevates the dish even further!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy sauce that's incredibly satisfying
One pot means easy cleanup and fewer dishes
Quick preparation makes it perfect for weeknight dinners

Mastering the One-Pot Technique

One of the most essential tips for this recipe is to properly brown the chicken at the beginning. Heating your olive oil before adding the chicken is key. Aim for a medium-high heat that allows the chicken to sizzle upon contact—this helps develop a lovely golden crust. This step not only adds flavor but also prevents the chicken from becoming rubbery.

When sautéing the onions and garlic, keep an eye on their color. They should become translucent within about 3 minutes. If they start to brown, reduce the heat slightly; you want sweetness in the dish, not bitterness. Also, make sure to stir the Arborio rice for a full minute to ensure that each grain is coated in the flavorful oil and aromatics, which enhances the creaminess later.

Ingredient Insights

Arborio rice is the star of the show in this dish due to its high starch content, which creates that luxurious creaminess when cooked. If you don't have Arborio, you can substitute with another short-grain rice, but avoid long-grain varieties that won't achieve the same texture. Rice choices directly influence not just creaminess but also the dish's overall heartiness.

Heavy cream is crucial for achieving the desired richness in the sauce. For a lighter alternative, you could use half-and-half, but keep in mind that the result will be less creamy. Similarly, swapping out frozen peas for fresh peas or other vegetables, like spinach or broccoli, can provide different flavors and textures, but cooking times may vary.

Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients before you begin for a smoother cooking experience.

Main Ingredients

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
1 cup Arborio rice
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

Make sure you follow the steps carefully for best results.

Instructions

Get ready to create a delicious one pot meal!

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the Arborio rice, cooking for an additional minute until coated.

Add Broth and Cream

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is tender.

Incorporate Chicken and Peas

Return the chicken to the pot along with the heavy cream. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Delicious and creamy, your one pot meal is ready to be served!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. Fresh herbs also make a tasty garnish.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of additional chicken broth or cream to help revive the creamy texture, as the rice will absorb liquid, and the dish may dry out over time. Reheat on low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to ensure even warming.

For make-ahead options, you can prepare everything up to the point before adding the cream and peas. Store the dish in the refrigerator, then add the cream and peas just before serving. This method not only saves time but also keeps the peas vibrant and the cream fresh.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Creamy One Pot Chicken and Rice, consider garnishing with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil before serving. A drizzle of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the dish. If you're feeling adventurous, serve it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.

Pairing this dish with a simple side salad or garlic bread can create a complete meal. Light greens with a vinaigrette cut through the richness of the chicken and rice, making each bite refreshing. Additionally, a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this creamy dish, enhancing the dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of Arborio rice?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time and add more liquid as needed.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble them when ready to cook.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if desired.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more variety and nutrition.