Delicious One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice ready to serve in a skillet.

Delicious One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice Recipe. If you’ve ever walked in the door after a long day and wanted something warm, filling, and actually doable, this one’s for you. I’ve made this dish more times than I can count because it ticks all the boxes: quick prep, simple ingredients, and the kind of flavor that makes you slow down and savor. Think tender chicken, soft fluffy rice, and a silky garlicky sauce that hugs everything on the spoon. It’s one pot, so clean up is easy, and the leftovers are elite.

Ingredients and Variations

What You’ll Need

This recipe uses everyday ingredients, but the taste feels like you put in extra effort. Here’s what I usually grab from the pantry and fridge:

Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-size pieces for faster cooking and super tender bites
Olive oil or butter for the pan a little of both is perfect for richness
Fresh garlic a lot of it thinly sliced or minced for the best flavor
Short or medium grain white rice rinsed to remove extra starch
Chicken stock or broth for flavor I love using this quick homemade chicken stock when I have time
Heavy cream or half-and-half cream makes the sauce luxurious but not heavy
Grated Parmesan or Pecorino for salty cheesy depth
Onion or shallot for sweetness and backbone
Salt and black pepper to taste plus a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat
Fresh herbs parsley or chives for brightness at the end
Lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice optional but highly recommended for balance

Easy Swaps

Use what you have. Rotisserie chicken works in a pinch. If you only have long grain rice, increase the simmer time just a bit and add a splash more stock if needed. Dairy free? Use full fat coconut milk and skip the cheese. Low on garlic? Don’t be shy with onion and a little extra pepper.

Veggie add-ins that play nice: peas, spinach, broccoli florets, mushrooms, or chopped carrots. Add firm veggies early and tender greens right at the end.

Flavor boosters: a spoon of Dijon, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a little garlic powder to reinforce the fresh garlic. I’ve even stirred in a dollop of cream cheese when I needed extra creamy comfort.

Pro ratio: for every cup of rice, plan on about two cups of stock plus a half cup of cream at the end. That keeps the texture ultra creamy without turning soupy.

How to Make This One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken

Build the Flavor Base

Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add a swirl of olive oil and a pat of butter. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until lightly golden on both sides. You don’t need to cook it through yet. Remove to a plate.

In the same pot, add a touch more oil if it looks dry. Toss in chopped onion and cook until soft and fragrant. Add all that garlic and stir for 30 seconds until it smells bold and cozy. Don’t brown it, just wake it up.

Simmer the Rice to Creamy Perfection

Stir in the rinsed rice so the grains get coated in the garlicky goodness. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Slide the seared chicken and any juices back in. Lower the heat, cover, and cook until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. This usually takes about 15 to 18 minutes depending on the rice.

Lift the lid and give it a stir. Pour in the cream and add the grated Parmesan. Stir slowly and watch the sauce turn silky. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Finish with lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon if you want a bright note. Fold in herbs. If you’re adding tender veggies like spinach or peas, stir them in now so they stay green and happy.

This is the moment I grin every time. You’ll see glossy, cozy rice and juicy chicken wrapped in a creamy garlic sauce that just looks like a hug in a bowl. That’s the heart of One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice That’s Simply Delicious! and it delivers every single time.

Expert Tips

Rinse your rice until the water runs mostly clear. It helps prevent extra stickiness and keeps the texture creamy instead of gluey. If you like a looser finish, splash in a little extra warm stock at the end and stir.

Let the pot rest off the heat for 5 minutes before serving. The rice relaxes, the sauce thickens just a touch, and the flavors settle into each other. It’s worth the short wait.

Use fresh garlic and don’t skip the onion or shallot. That combo is your base note and gives the dish that homey aroma that makes people wander into the kitchen asking what’s for dinner.

If your sauce is too thick, loosen with warm stock or a bit more cream. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a couple minutes and stir often.

Want a little crusty top without turning on the oven? Sprinkle a handful of Parmesan over the finished pot and cover for two minutes. The cheese melts and forms tiny pockets of savory goodness.

We made this on a chilly Sunday and my partner said it was the best dinner we’d had all month. Creamy, garlicky, and somehow still light enough for seconds. Total keeper.

Serving Suggestions

Quick Add-Ons

Top with extra herbs and a little lemon zest for a bright finish
Add a dash of red pepper flakes or black pepper for gentle heat
Serve with a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted or air fried veggies make it feel like a full bistro plate

If you want a crispy veggie side without heating the whole kitchen, these crispy air fryer vegetables are perfect. I also love a quick pile of arugula tossed with olive oil and lemon plus a few shaved Parmesan ribbons. If you’re doing bread, toast up a baguette slice to scoop that extra sauce. It’s the little things.

Leftovers reheat like a dream. Splash in a spoon or two of stock and stir over low heat so it turns creamy again. I’d happily pack this for lunch or tuck it into a warm tortilla for a chewy, cozy wrap the next day.

And yes, it’s totally fine to eat it straight from the pot at the stove. I’ve done it. You’ve done it. We’re all friends here.

More Creamy Chicken Recipes

If this bowl of comfort hits the spot, you’ll probably love exploring more cozy dishes. Try a baked version with veggie add-ins for a change of pace, like this hearty and family-friendly creamy garlic chicken with mushrooms and broccoli rice bake. It’s a great way to work in greens while keeping the garlic and cream vibes strong.

On nights when you want something similar but with a twist, stir in mushrooms or a spoonful of sun dried tomatoes for added depth. You’ll get the same soothing creaminess with a new personality. That’s the beauty of recipes like this one: you can riff without stress and still end up with dinner that tastes like you planned ahead.

I’m also a big fan of doubling the recipe and freezing a portion without the cream. Then all you do is thaw, reheat with cream and cheese, and dinner is ready before your playlist finishes.

Common Questions

Can I use brown rice? Yes, but it takes longer and needs more liquid. Add about 15 minutes to the simmer time and be ready to splash in extra stock as needed.

How do I avoid sticky or mushy rice? Rinse the rice first, keep the heat gentle, and don’t over stir while it cooks. Fold, don’t mash.

Can I make it lighter? Use half-and-half or even evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce cheese slightly. It’ll still be cozy.

What if my chicken releases a lot of liquid? Let it cook a bit longer uncovered to reduce, or sear in two batches so you keep that light golden color.

Does it freeze well? Freeze without the cream and cheese. When reheating, add cream and cheese to bring back that silky finish.

The Cozy Weeknight Dinner You’ll Make Again

When you want comfort without fuss, One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice That’s Simply Delicious! is the answer. It’s easy to customize, kind on the budget, and a surefire way to make the whole table happy. If you want more inspiration for this style of cozy cooking, check out recipes like One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken – Cook With Dana and the super comforting Creamy Parmesan One Pot Chicken and Rice – The Salty … for more ideas and variations you can borrow for your own pot. However you riff, keep the garlic generous and the sauce creamy, and you’ll get that same warm hug in a bowl. Try it tonight and tell me how it goes. One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice That’s Simply Delicious! really does live up to the name.