This creamy chicken and rice dish is a cozy meal that’s super easy to make. It’s filled with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich sauce that makes every bite feel special.
I love how this recipe lets me throw everything in one pot. After a long day, there’s nothing better than a warm, tasty dinner with minimal cleanup—winner, winner, chicken dinner! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I suggest using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness. If you prefer chicken breasts, they also work well. For a twist, try using cooked rotisserie chicken—just add it at the end so it warms through.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect, but you can substitute it with jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant touch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, brown rice works, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes this dish rich and creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or even a milk alternative like almond milk can be used, though it may alter the creaminess slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds great flavor, but you can use any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even a cheddar blend if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Ensure My Rice Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking fluffy rice can be a challenge, but with some simple steps, you can nail it! Here’s what to do:
- Rinse the rice before adding it to remove excess starch. This helps prevent it from becoming sticky as it cooks.
- Once you add rice to the pan, let it sauté for a minute or two to absorb flavors from onions and garlic.
- When it’s time to simmer, keep the lid on tight to trap steam, which helps the rice cook evenly.
- Don’t lift the lid too often. Just let it cook undisturbed for 15-20 minutes.
After cooking, fluff the rice with a fork before serving for that perfect texture!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe for Easy Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken and rice recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and approximately 25-30 minutes for cooking. In total, you can have a delicious dinner ready in just about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Sear the chicken until browned on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pan (don’t wash it yet—those browned bits add flavor!), add the chopped onion. Cook until it becomes soft and translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell its lovely aroma.
3. Combine with Rice:
Next, stir in the rinsed rice, mixing it well with the onion and garlic. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes so that the rice absorbs some of that great flavor.
4. Add Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds even more flavor to our dish! Then, return the cooked chicken to the pan and sprinkle in the dried thyme or Italian seasoning.
5. Boil and Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Make it Creamy:
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. If you want, add the frozen peas or mixed vegetables at this point too. Cook uncovered for about 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy.
7. Season and Serve:
Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm!
Enjoy this comforting, creamy chicken and rice dish any night of the week—it’s quick, easy, and satisfying!
FAQ
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time. You’ll need to increase the liquid to about 3 cups and simmer for about 35-40 minutes or until tender. Check occasionally and add more broth if necessary.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover creamy chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it gets too thick.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
What Vegetables Can I Add for More Nutrition?
You can add a variety of vegetables! Consider bell peppers, carrots, spinach, or broccoli. Just add them when you introduce the frozen peas, allowing them to cook through in the creamy sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
