Introduction
Some dinners just feel like a deep exhale. This One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe? It’s exactly that.
It’s warm, cheesy, and totally soul-soothing. Plus, it all comes together in one big pot (yes, really)—so cleanup is minimal and your stress level stays low. If you’ve ever juggled dinner-making while answering homework questions or trying to get five more minutes of me time, this recipe has your name all over it.
Let’s dig into a dish that’s cozy enough for a Sunday but easy enough for a Tuesday.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
No complicated steps or ingredients here—just real, simple food that delivers big flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1¾ cups whole or 2% milk
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
How to Make One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, thyme, and ½ tsp salt. Cook for about 8 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Toast the rice
Add rice and garlic. Stir for 1 minute until everything smells nutty and delicious.
Step 3: Add the liquids and chicken
Pour in chicken broth and milk, then the rest of the salt. Season with black pepper. Bring to a boil while stirring so the rice doesn’t stick. Add the chicken, stir again, and bring back to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Add a splash of water if needed to keep the rice from drying out.
Step 5: Stir in the comfort
Remove from heat. Mix in peas and 1 cup of cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Step 6: Melt and finish
Cover and let sit for 5 minutes for the cheese to melt and rice to finish steaming. (Optional: broil uncovered for a few minutes to brown the cheese on top.)
Serve warm and watch it disappear.
Quick Tips for Creamy Chicken and Rice Success
- Use whole or 2% milk for the creamiest texture—nonfat milk may make it less rich.
- Don’t skip the toasting step! It deepens the flavor of the rice.
- Add-ins welcome: Diced carrots, mushrooms, or a handful of baby spinach are great additions.
- Thighs vs. breasts: Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier, but breasts work well too.
A Little Backstory From My Kitchen
This recipe came to the rescue during a school night dinner scramble. I had chicken, rice, and a bag of shredded cheese—and about 25 minutes before someone had a hunger meltdown. I threw everything in a pot, whispered a little prayer, and somehow it turned into one of those “Wait, you made this?!” meals. Since then, it’s been on repeat. Even my “I don’t like peas” kid cleans the plate.
One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats beautifully. Just store leftovers in the fridge and add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring back the creaminess.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack, gouda, or a little cream cheese for extra silkiness.
Can I use brown rice?
You can, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 10–15 minutes and possibly add extra liquid. Keep an eye on it!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It is naturally gluten-free if you double-check your broth and cheese labels. Some brands add thickeners that contain gluten.
More One-Pot Wonders from Kenz Recipes
- One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice – a lighter, zesty take
- Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini – for when you want something baked and rich
- Ground Beef and Rice Skillet – easy, hearty, and totally crowd-pleasing
- For additional options: Real Simple – 14 Easy Chicken and Rice Recipes for Every Day of the Week
Final Thoughts: One Pot, All the Comfort
This One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe is a weeknight miracle—easy enough for a Tuesday, comforting enough for a Sunday. Whether you’re feeding kids, coworkers, or just yourself (hello, leftovers!), it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel taken care of. And we all need more of that.
Let me know how it turns out! Or share your version on Instagram and tag @kenzrecipes—we love seeing what you’re cooking!