Dinner

Creamy Chicken and Rice (One-Pot Recipe, No Soup Cans!)

Name: Creamy Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion (diced); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 cup long-grain white rice (do not rinse); 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (warm or hot); 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt & black pepper (to taste)

by Lily hanna

Published on: April 30, 2025

Introduction

Let’s be real — there’s something magical about a dish that brings creamy, cozy comfort with almost zero stress. That’s where Creamy Chicken and Rice struts in. It’s the culinary equivalent of your favorite hoodie: warm, reliable, and full of feel-good vibes.
Tested multiple times for flavor and texture, this one-pot wonder is ready in under 45 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hangry household or just need a low-effort, high-reward dinner (with lunch-ready leftovers!), this is your new go-to.

Love easy comfort food? Check out our [Cheesy One-Pot Broccoli Pasta] too!

What Is Creamy Chicken and Rice?

Creamy Chicken and Rice is like if chicken soup and risotto teamed up for the ultimate comfort dish.
It’s a stovetop or casserole-style one-pot meal that’s rich, satisfying, and loaded with tender chicken, creamy rice, and savory spices — all without relying on canned soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Without the Cans: No processed soup — just real, delicious ingredients.
One Pot, One Clean-Up: Simple cooking, simple cleaning.
Leftovers That Actually Slap: Heats up beautifully, tastes even better next day.

Bookmark this — it’s your new “What do I make tonight?” solution.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut bite-size
1 cup long-grain white rice (do not rinse for maximum creaminess)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste

One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice Close-Up

How to Make It

Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a large pot. Brown chicken 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: Cook onion and garlic in the same pot until fragrant.
Toast the rice: Stir in uncooked rice for 1 minute to soak up flavor.
Simmer it up: Add broth + cream/milk. Return chicken. Bring to simmer.
Cover and cook: Simmer on low for ~20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finish strong: Stir in cheese, season to taste, let rest uncovered 5 mins.

What to Serve With It

Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli
A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette
Buttery garlic bread
Sparkling water or iced tea

Pro Tips

Use hot broth to keep the texture smooth
Don’t over-stir the rice or it’ll turn mushy
Add cheese at the end to keep the sauce silky
Want veggies? Stir in peas, spinach, or mushrooms

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: 4 days in airtight container
Freezer: Up to 2 months
Reheat: Gently warm with splash of milk or broth

FAQ – Creamy Chicken and Rice

What makes chicken and rice creamy?

Milk or cream + cheese like parmesan or cream cheese builds a rich texture. Roux can also help.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but add more broth and increase cook time — brown rice takes longer.

Can milk marinate chicken?

Yes — but here, milk is used during cooking to create creaminess, not to marinate.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Just skip the searing step and stir in shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 5–10 minutes of cooking so it stays tender.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative (like oat or almond cream). Use a dairy-free cheese substitute or skip it altogether.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. Frozen peas, spinach, chopped mushrooms, or diced carrots work great. Add quick-cooking veggies during the last 10 minutes of simmering.