Are you tired of complicated recipes that require hours in the kitchen after a long, exhausting day? Does the thought of cooking another elaborate dinner make you want to order takeout instead? I’ve been there too! That’s exactly why this Lazy Day Creamy Chicken and Rice became my household’s ultimate rescue meal.
Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook. As someone who believes food is more than just flavor—it’s the memories made around the table—I created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something comforting but couldn’t muster the energy for anything complex. This one-pot wonder has since become our family’s favorite weeknight savior!
This Lazy Day Creamy Chicken and Rice delivers incredibly tender chicken nestled in a velvety, herb-infused rice that practically cooks itself. The best part? It requires minimal prep, uses simple ingredients you likely already have, and creates almost no dishes to wash afterward!
In this recipe guide, I’ll share my secrets for foolproof creamy chicken and rice, including ingredient shortcuts, cooking techniques that maximize flavor with minimal effort, and helpful variations to keep this comfort classic in your regular dinner rotation. Let’s transform your busy weeknights with this magical comfort dinner!
Why This Lazy Day Creamy Chicken and Rice Works
- Uses budget-friendly chicken thighs that stay juicy and tender
- One-pot cooking means minimal cleanup (perfect for lazy days!)
- Requires just 10 minutes of hands-on time—the oven does the rest
- Creates its own creamy sauce without heavy cream or complicated steps
- Can be prepped ahead and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake
- Family-friendly flavor that even picky eaters request repeatedly
Choosing the Right Chicken for Your Lazy Day Rice Dish
Best Cuts for Lazy Day Creamy Chicken and Rice
Chicken thighs are the undisputed champion for this recipe. Their natural fat content keeps the meat juicy throughout cooking and adds richness to the rice. Boneless, skinless thighs are the easiest option, but bone-in thighs will add even more flavor if you don’t mind removing the bones before serving.
If you only have chicken breasts on hand, they’ll work too—just be careful not to overcook them. For more tips on keeping chicken breasts perfectly juicy, check out my Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken guide with 5 secrets to juicy perfection.
Buying Tips
Look for chicken with a pinkish color and no strong odor. If possible, choose organic or free-range chicken for better flavor. Most supermarkets offer family packs of boneless thighs at excellent prices, which can be portioned and frozen for future lazy day meals.
Substitutions
If you’re not a chicken fan, this recipe works beautifully with:
- Turkey tenderloin (reduce cooking time by 5 minutes)
- White fish fillets (add during the last 15 minutes of cooking)
- Extra-firm tofu (press well and cube before adding)
Ingredients & Prep for Lazy Day Creamy Chicken and Rice
Chicken Prep Essentials
For truly “lazy day” cooking, minimal prep is key. Simply pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps seasonings stick better and improves browning if you choose to sear the chicken first (optional but adds flavor).
Flavor Boosters
- 1½ pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice (unwashed for creamier results)
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pantry Staples
The beauty of this recipe is that it relies on staples you likely already have. The cream soup provides instant creaminess without requiring a homemade roux. If you prefer to avoid condensed soup, I’ll include a simple substitute in the variations section.
Need more comfort food inspiration? My Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt is another pantry-friendly option that’s become a reader favorite!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Lazy Day Chicken and Rice
Pre-Cooking Prep for Lazy Day Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper
- In a 9×13 baking dish or oven-safe Dutch oven, combine rice, broth, cream soup, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning
- Stir well to combine, making sure no dry rice is visible
- Slice butter into small pieces and dot over the rice mixture
Cooking Method for Perfect Chicken and Rice
- Arrange seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil (or the Dutch oven lid)
- Bake for 45 minutes covered
- Remove from oven, carefully uncover (watch for steam!), and add frozen peas
- Return to oven, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and rice is tender
Doneness Check for Lazy Day Chicken
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear. The rice should be tender with a creamy consistency—not soupy or too dry. If the rice needs more liquid, add a splash of warm broth and return to the oven for 5 minutes.
Resting Your Lazy Day Chicken and Rice
Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This gives the rice time to absorb any remaining liquid and the flavors to meld perfectly. During this time, you can quickly toss a simple side salad if you’re feeling ambitious!
Pro Tips for Perfect Lazy Day Creamy Chicken and Rice
Avoiding Dry Chicken and Rice
- Don’t peek during the covered cooking time—this releases necessary steam
- If your oven runs hot, reduce temperature to 325°F and add 5 minutes to cooking time
- For extra insurance against dry rice, add an additional ¼ cup of broth
- Dark meat chicken (thighs) will naturally stay more moist than breast meat
I’ve gathered countless comfort food recipes over the years. Check out my Pinterest collection for more easy dinner inspiration that brings comfort to busy weeknights!
Tool Recommendations
- Oven-safe Dutch oven or deep casserole dish with tight-fitting lid
- Instant-read meat thermometer for perfect doneness
- Silicone spatula for folding in ingredients without scratching your bakeware
Storage & Reheating
This dish reheats beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water or broth before microwaving to restore creaminess. For best results, reheat covered at 50% power in 1-minute intervals.
Flavor Variations for Lazy Day Chicken and Rice
Herb Garden Delight
Replace Italian seasoning with 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary and parsley for a bright, garden-fresh version.
Cozy Comfort Version
Add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking and top with crispy fried onions for a nostalgic casserole feel.
Mediterranean Twist
Stir in ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, ½ cup artichoke hearts, and finish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil.
If you’re in the mood for something with similar comfort but different flavors, my Tuscan White Bean Soup delivers the same cozy feeling with Italian inspiration.
| Variation | Key Ingredients | Cooking Adjustment | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Cream of chicken soup, peas | As written | Weeknight family meals |
| Homemade Cream Base | 2 Tbsp butter, 2 Tbsp flour, 1½ cups milk | Make roux before adding rice | Weekend cooking |
| Lemon Herb | Add zest of 1 lemon, 1 Tbsp fresh thyme | Squeeze lemon juice after cooking | Spring dinners |
| Mushroom | Add 8oz sliced mushrooms | Sauté mushrooms with onions first | Earthy comfort food |
| Southwest | Add 1 can diced green chilies, 1 tsp cumin | Top with avocado and cilantro | Tex-Mex inspired meals |
Serving Suggestions for Lazy Day Chicken and Rice
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette
- Serve alongside roasted broccoli or asparagus (roast while the casserole bakes)
- Warm crusty bread for soaking up the creamy sauce
- Cucumber and tomato salad for a fresh contrast to the rich dish
For a complete comfort food experience, serve with a light dessert like fresh berries with whipped cream or a simple lemon sorbet.
FAQs About Lazy Day Chicken and Rice
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything except the peas up to 24 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.
My rice is still crunchy but the chicken is done. What went wrong?
This usually happens if the foil wasn’t sealed tightly enough, allowing steam to escape. Add ½ cup hot broth or water, cover tightly, and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice requires about 50-60 minutes of covered cooking time and additional liquid (add an extra ½ cup of broth).
How do I make this without condensed soup?
Make a quick homemade replacement by melting 2 tablespoons butter, whisking in 2 tablespoons flour until golden, then gradually adding 1½ cups milk or broth until thickened.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Your New Favorite Comfort Meal
Lazy Day Creamy Chicken and Rice isn’t just a meal—it’s permission to take it easy while still nourishing yourself and your loved ones. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way it transforms basic ingredients into something truly comforting.
I hope this recipe becomes a treasured part of your dinner rotation, just as it has for thousands of Bikren Cook readers. There’s something magical about having reliable recipes that deliver consistent comfort without demanding too much from you on those days when you just can’t.
Try this tonight and discover why so many busy home cooks have made it their go-to comfort meal! And remember, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious—sometimes the simplest meals create the warmest memories around the table.