Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups Arborio rice; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Magic

I love making Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice because it brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce—all in a single pot! It’s the perfect weeknight meal that requires minimal cleanup, which is a huge bonus for me. The combination of flavors, thanks to spices and fresh herbs, truly elevates this dish. Plus, knowing that dinner is simmering away while I take care of other chores makes this recipe a lifesaver!

Created by

Maribel Hayes

Last updated on 2026-02-01T21:49:35.872Z

When I first created this Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice, I wanted to make something that was not only hearty but also very fulfilling. The method of cooking everything in one pot allows the flavors to blend beautifully, making each bite a delicious experience. Using a mix of broth and cream gives it that sultry taste that you just can’t resist.

I learned that incorporating veggies like peas and carrots not only enhances the nutrition but adds vibrant color. The secret is to add the rice at the right moment to ensure it's perfectly cooked—soft yet with a slight bite. You’ll love how easy and satisfying this recipe truly is!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
One-pot convenience that minimizes cleanup
Rich and creamy flavor that everyone will love
Versatile recipe—easily customizable with your favorite veggies

The Importance of Arborio Rice

Choosing Arborio rice for this dish is essential due to its high starch content, which contributes to the creaminess of the final dish. As the rice cooks, it releases starch, helping to create that rich sauce that coats every grain of rice perfectly. If you can’t find Arborio, a short-grain rice like Carnaroli can be used as a substitute, though be mindful of cooking time adjustments as it may require slightly different treatment.

As the rice absorbs the chicken broth and heavy cream, it should achieve a somewhat al dente texture after about 15 minutes of simmering. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If you prefer a softer rice, you might extend the cooking time slightly, but watch closely to avoid overcooking!

Customizing Your Dish

This Creamy One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is incredibly versatile; you can easily customize it with various vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. Feel free to add diced bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms to enhance the flavor profile. Just keep in mind that if you’re adding thicker veggies like carrots or potatoes, they may need to be cooked longer before adding the rice.

If you're looking to make a vegetarian version, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use chickpeas or a mix of beans as a protein source. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time according to the ingredients used, as some vegetables might require longer to cook than soft vegetables like peas.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups Arborio rice
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Gather all your ingredients before starting to make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Rice and Liquid

Stir in the Arborio rice and sauté for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a boil.

Simmer with Veggies

Once boiling, reduce heat to low and return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and creamy.

Final Touch

Once done, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Make sure to let it sit for a few minutes after cooking for the flavors to meld even better.

Pro Tips

You can substitute the chicken for shrimp or a mix of your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian version. Adjust the broth quantity based on the consistency you prefer.

Storage Tips

This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore the desired creaminess as it might thicken in the fridge. Heat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze this dish. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above. Just be aware that freezing may soften the texture of the rice slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue you might encounter is the rice not cooking evenly or being too hard. If this happens, it could be due to the heat being too high or not enough liquid. Always ensure that the pot is covered while simmering to trap steam, and if the rice seems too dry, adding a bit more broth can save the dish.

If the sauce is too runny, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the pot. This ensures the sauce thickens nicely, creating that sought-after creaminess without altering the flavor profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of Arborio?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut milk or a blend of milk and flour for a lighter version.

→ Is this dish freezable?

Yes, you can freeze it, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating.

→ How can I enhance the flavors?

Consider adding spices like paprika or thyme for an extra flavor boost.