I wasn’t planning a fancy dinner. Just something cozy. I grabbed what I had — rice, chicken, garlic. Thirty minutes later? This creamy chicken and rice was pure magic. Warm, creamy, savory. Like a hug in a bowl.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Rice
- One pot = less mess
- Creamy and cozy
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved
- Simple ingredients
- Easy cleanup
- Comfort food in under an hour
- Great for meal prep
- Leftovers reheat perfectly
- Customizable
Creamy Chicken and Rice (Easy One-Pot Dinner for the Family)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken and rice is a cozy one-pot wonder. Packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, parmesan, garlic, and parsley — it’s comforting, family-friendly, and easy to make.
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 large carrots, grated or matchstick cut
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1” pieces
2 tsp sea salt, divided
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 bay leaves (optional)
1 cup dry white wine (e.g., Chardonnay)
5 cups hot low sodium chicken broth
2 cups un-rinsed medium grain rice (Jasmine preferred)
1 head garlic (sliced to expose cloves)
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and 2 Tbsp butter in a pot.
2. Sauté onion, carrots, and 1 tsp salt for 8–10 minutes.
3. Add chicken, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Cook 5 minutes.
4. Pour in wine, boil until reduced.
5. Stir in hot chicken broth and rice.
6. Insert garlic head cut-side down into rice.
7. Bring to boil, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
8. Remove garlic, stir in remaining butter, parsley, and cheese.
9. Serve immediately or keep warm.
Notes
Use brown rice for a longer cook time (~45 mins).
Instant brown rice can be used without adjusting cook time.
Skip wine and use broth or lemon juice as substitute.
Add more broth when reheating for best texture.
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 Tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, grated or matchstick
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs (1″ pieces)
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 bay leaves (optional)
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 5 cups hot chicken broth
- 2 cups medium grain rice (Jasmine preferred)
- 1 garlic head (halved)
- 1/3 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan
✅ This creamy chicken and rice starts with pantry basics.
Ingredient Swaps and Tips
- Use chicken breast if preferred
- Brown rice = longer cook time
- Instant rice = shorter time
- No wine? Add more broth or lemon
- Dairy-free? Use olive oil, skip cheese
- Gluten-free? Just check your broth
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice
- Heat oil + 2 Tbsp butter
- Sauté onion, carrots, salt (8–10 mins)
- Add chicken, bay leaves, more salt, pepper (5 mins)
- Add wine, simmer till reduced
- Stir in hot broth + rice
- Nest garlic head in center, cut side down
- Boil, cover, simmer 15 mins
- Remove garlic
- Stir in butter, parmesan, parsley
- Serve hot and creamy
Optional: Broil 2 mins for a golden top
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice
- Don’t stir while simmering
- Stir only at the end
- Let it rest 5 minutes
- Use Dutch oven or heavy pot
- Jasmine rice gives best texture
Storage and Reheating
- Store: airtight container, 4 days
- Reheat: add splash of broth or milk
- Freeze: skip cheese before freezing for best results
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken and Rice
This dish is hearty on its own, but a simple side can round out the meal beautifully. Here are a few easy favorites:
- Steamed green beans – Their crunch balances the creaminess.
- Garlic roasted broccoli – Adds bold flavor and a touch of char.
- Simple side salad – Tossed greens with lemon vinaigrette keep things fresh.
- Keto cheddar biscuits – If you’re going low-carb but want that “bread on the side” feel.
For drinks, try a crisp white wine (like the Chardonnay you cooked with) or a sparkling water with lemon. And if you’re planning ahead, this creamy chicken and rice makes a great base for lunch bowls the next day — just add some fresh veggies or avocado on top.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 385
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 15g
- Based on original creamy chicken and rice recipe
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate and reheat with a splash of broth.
What rice works best?
Jasmine rice. Creamy, tender, not mushy.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Add it during the final stir so it stays juicy.
Need another creamy recipe? Try this creamy gochujang white chicken chili.
Want more rice dishes? This street corn chicken rice bowl is packed with flavor.
Love comfort food? You’ll enjoy chicken bacon ranch pasta.
For even more ideas, check out:
– One-pot creamy chicken and rice recipe
– Classic creamy chicken and rice dinner