Delicious One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken And Rice Recipe
This one pot creamy garlic chicken and rice is rich, flavorful, and comes together in just over 30 minutes—all in one pan. It’s the perfect comfort food made with real, whole-food ingredients.

If dinner needs to be quick, comforting, and made with real ingredients, this one pot creamy garlic chicken and rice delivers every time. It’s warm, rich, and perfectly garlicky—the kind of meal that feels like it took much longer than it actually did.
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it fits into everyday life. It’s made in one skillet, uses pantry staples, and doesn’t sacrifice nutrition for convenience. The rice cooks right in the broth, soaking up all the flavor from the garlic cloves, chicken, and herbs, while a splash of milk or coconut cream gives it a velvety finish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping ahead for the week, this recipe brings comfort and nourishment to the table with very little effort.
This one-pot creamy garlic chicken is a rice dish that feels indulgent but supports your body, too. The creamy texture from a bit of milk or coconut cream combines with bone broth for a delicious sauce. Pair with a baby spinach salad or green beans for a well-rounded meal!
For more one pot dinners, check out our favorite tuscan chicken, American goulash, fall-apart slow cooker roast, Instant Pot venison stew, and easy mediterranean chicken and orzo.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Truly one pot: Minimal dishes and maximum flavor make this a go-to when you need quick cleanup and a cozy meal.
Comforting without being heavy: Thanks to bone broth, fresh garlic, and simple seasonings, the creamy sauce is indulgent without relying on heavy cream or canned soups.
Flexible and family-friendly: Easily adapt this dish to include seasonal veggies for dietary fiber, different grains, or dairy-free swaps. No garlic? Use Italian seasoning for a different twist.
What Is One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice?
This dish is a hearty, wholesome version of the classic creamy chicken and rice. Unlike boxed mixes or casseroles made with canned soups, this version uses real ingredients—fresh garlic, bone broth, and rice simmered together until tender and creamy. Everything cooks in one pan, so the flavors meld beautifully, and the cleanup is a breeze.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: More flavorful than chicken breast, thighs hold up well to simmering and create juicy chicken. For a lean meat option, use chicken breast.
- Fresh garlic: The star of this dish—don’t skimp! You’ll want 6+ cloves of garlic, finely minced, up to a whole head of garlic if you like a lot of flavor.
- White rice or brown rice: Choose what works for your family; just adjust the cook time.
- Chicken broth or bone broth: I like bone broth for minerals and deep flavor. Homemade or high-quality store-bought works well.
- Milk or coconut cream: For that rich, creamy texture. Use what you have on hand, even skim milk or low-fat milk.
- Fresh herbs (like parsley, thyme, or fresh black pepper) or parmesan cheese: Optional but lovely for a bright finish.
A full list of ingredients and measurements is in the recipe card below.
How To Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter or oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken thighs and season with about a teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on both sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, scrape up the brown bits from the chicken, and sauté garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in uncooked rice and toast lightly for 1 minute.
- Add bone broth and milk/coconut cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to the pot, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through—about 20–25 minutes.
- Stir, taste for salt, and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.


Recipe Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to prevent rice from sticking.
- If using brown rice, increase broth slightly and extend cook time by 10–15 minutes.
- Stir occasionally if needed to prevent scorching, especially near the end.
One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice Variations
- Add mushrooms: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the garlic for a savory, earthy twist.
- Use quinoa or cauliflower rice: For a grain-free version, reduce liquid and shorten cook time accordingly.
- Add leafy greens: Stir in a few handfuls of spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream or your favorite non-dairy milk in place of dairy.

Recipe FAQs
I hope you love this recipe!
Let it be your go-to when you need something comforting, homemade, and healing—without spending hours in the kitchen.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice
This one pot creamy garlic chicken and rice is rich, flavorful, and comes together in just over 30 minutes—all in one pan. It’s the perfect comfort food made with real, whole-food ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1& 1/2 pounds chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (up to a whole head of garlic_
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth or bone broth
- ½ cup milk or coconut cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped broccoli or green peas
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or thyme and freshly shredded parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes.
- Add uncooked rice and stir to coat.
- Pour in bone broth and milk or coconut cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to the pan, add the vegetables (if using), cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from heat, slice the chicken, stir gently, and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish and serve.
Notes
- Use short-grain white rice for a creamier texture.
- Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms to stretch the meal.
- For extra flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon grated parmesan or nutritional yeast at the end.
- You can use heavy cream or half and half in place of milk if needed.
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