One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort meal—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, yet incredibly simple to prepare. Tender chicken is cooked with aromatic onions and garlic, then simmered with rice in a creamy sauce until perfectly tender.

The beauty of this recipe is that it all cooks in a single pan, making it easy to prepare and easy to clean up. The creamy, savory sauce envelops every grain of rice and every bite of chicken, creating a dish that’s hearty enough for dinner but simple enough for weeknights.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a perfect combination of convenience and flavor. With just one pan, you can create a complete, satisfying meal that’s both creamy and comforting.

The rice absorbs all the flavors from the chicken, broth, and aromatics, while the cream adds a luscious texture. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s adaptable, making it easy to tweak with different herbs, vegetables, or spices to suit your taste.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

This dish is a must-try because it transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. The one-pan method saves time, while the creamy sauce ensures a rich, satisfying flavor.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. Its versatility means you can add vegetables, use different types of chicken cuts, or adjust the creaminess to make it your own signature dish.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 450–500 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cooking Directions

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add rice to the pan and stir to coat in the oil and aromatics.
Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, and paprika. Stir to combine.
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Add frozen peas or vegetables during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Remove from heat and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Sear chicken: Brown both sides in a large skillet for flavor.
Cook aromatics: Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
Toast rice: Stir rice in pan to absorb flavors.
Add liquid: Pour in chicken broth, cream, thyme, and paprika.
Simmer chicken and rice: Return chicken to pan and cover; cook until rice is tender.
Add vegetables: Stir in peas or mixed vegetables in the last 5 minutes.
Finish with cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan and let melt.
Garnish and serve: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness.

How to Serve

Serve One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice hot as a main course. Pair with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. The creamy sauce also makes it perfect for a cozy, comfort-food dinner.

Recipe Tips

Sear the chicken well for a golden crust and extra flavor.
Rinse rice to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
Cover the pan tightly while simmering to ensure rice cooks evenly.
Adjust creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream.
Stir gently near the end to prevent breaking chicken pieces.

Variations

Mushroom Chicken Rice: Add sliced mushrooms when sautéing onions.
Spicy Creamy Chicken Rice: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Herb Medley: Mix rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a more aromatic dish.
Cheesy Chicken Rice: Add extra Parmesan or shredded mozzarella for a cheesy version.
Vegetable-Packed: Add bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for a colorful, nutrient-rich meal.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in portions without cream for up to 2 months. Add cream when reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

Large skillet or sauté pan with a lid
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but be careful not to overcook, as breasts dry out faster than thighs.

Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Yes, cook rice and chicken separately and combine with cream before reheating.

Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Yes, but increase cooking time and liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the Parmesan.

Q: How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
A: Stir occasionally while simmering and make sure the pan is properly greased before adding rice.

Conclusion

One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and aromatic seasonings in a single pan. Quick to prepare and versatile, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep. The creamy texture, rich flavor, and minimal cleanup make it a must-try for anyone who loves easy, satisfying, and delicious home-cooked meals.