One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice – Easy & Comforting!

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When you need a cozy, hearty meal that’s easy to make, this One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice is the perfect answer! Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce all cook together in one pan for the ultimate comfort food.

This dish is quick, budget-friendly, and family-approved, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners. Plus, no extra dishes to wash—everything cooks in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ One-Pot Wonder – Easy cleanup, no extra dishes!
✔ Ultra Creamy & Flavorful – A rich, comforting dish with simple ingredients.
✔ Kid-Friendly – A guaranteed family favorite.
✔ Customizable – Works with different proteins, veggies, and seasonings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken & Rice:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
  • ½ cup shredded carrots (optional)

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Parmesan for a sharper taste)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside (it will finish cooking later).

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. In the same pan, add onions and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for 1 minute, letting it absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Add the Broth & Simmer

  1. Pour in chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
  2. Nestle the seared chicken back into the pot.
  3. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low, letting everything simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

  1. Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheese, and sour cream until melted and smooth.
  2. Add frozen peas and shredded carrots, stirring to combine.
  3. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

  • Sprinkle with dried parsley and extra cheese if desired.
  • Serve warm and enjoy your deliciously creamy chicken and rice!

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken & Rice

✔ Use long-grain white rice – It absorbs flavor well without getting mushy.
✔ Don’t overcook the chicken – It should reach 165°F (75°C) for juicy, tender meat.
✔ Want extra creaminess? – Stir in 2 tablespoons cream cheese with the sour cream.
✔ More flavor? – Add a dash of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning for a kick!

Variations & Add-Ins

Make It Healthier 🥦

  • Use brown rice (increase broth to 2 ½ cups and cook longer).
  • Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream.
  • Add extra veggies like broccoli, spinach, or zucchini.

Swap the Protein 🍗

  • Use chicken thighs for more flavor.
  • Try turkey, shrimp, or tofu instead!

Make It Spicy 🌶

  • Stir in ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing Leftovers

  • Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating

  • Stovetop: Heat over medium-low with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
  • Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing

  • Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed container.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs About One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Rice

Q: Can I use instant rice?
A: Yes, but reduce the liquid by ½ cup and cook for a shorter time.

Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: Try half-and-half, whole milk, or evaporated milk for a lighter version.

Q: Can I add mushrooms?
A: Absolutely! Sauté ½ cup sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra depth.

Q: What sides go well with this dish?
A: Garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a simple side salad pair perfectly!

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice is simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor—a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Plus, with endless variations, you can make it exactly how you like it!

Try it out and let me know how you customize it! What’s your favorite one-pot meal? Let’s chat in the comments! 🍛✨

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One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice

  • Author: Emy
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Description

This One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken, creamy rice, and a rich sauce all cooked together in one pot for a hearty, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

For the Chicken & Rice:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping (Optional):

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Directions:

1. Brown the Chicken:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

  3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).

  4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Onions & Garlic:

  1. In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.

  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

3. Cook the Rice:

  1. Add rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the oil, onions, and garlic.

  2. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, and stir in dried thyme.

  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

  4. Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.

4. Combine Chicken & Rice:

  1. Once the rice is cooked, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice.

  2. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using) and cover the skillet to let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.

5. Serve & Enjoy:

 

  1. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) before serving.

  2. Serve the creamy chicken and rice hot for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Notes

This One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice is perfect for busy nights—everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and flavor a guarantee!

 

#OnePotMeals #CreamyChickenAndRice #ComfortFood #EasyDinner #WeeknightMeals

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