If you are craving comfort cooked to perfection, this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals. Imagine tender, juicy chicken nestled in a bed of rich, velvety rice infused with garlic, herbs, and cheesy goodness. This dish balances simple ingredients with luxurious textures and flavors, ensuring every bite feels like a warm, satisfying hug. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe offers a cozy, flavorful experience that’s both approachable and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients combine to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the chicken adds protein and heartiness, the rice provides a comforting base, and the cream and Parmesan bring luscious richness. Herbs and vegetables brighten the dish with color and freshness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the chicken and building the dish’s base flavor.
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced: Tender bites of lean protein that soak up all the creamy goodness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory layer as it softens.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Provides a fluffy, light texture to soak up the sauce.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory flavor and moisture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that irresistible creamy texture that defines this recipe.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty richness and enhances the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle earthy herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Brings freshness and a hint of color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and highlighting flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and an aromatic kick.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas: Pops of bright green sweetness and texture.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Used to gently cook peas and add a silky finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully add the diced chicken breast, cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes while stirring occasionally. You want the chicken to lose its pink color and develop a slight golden sear for extra flavor. Once cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside so you can build the rice base in the same pan.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, toss in your diced onion and sauté for a few minutes until it softens and turns translucent. This step unlocks the onion’s natural sweetness. Next, add the minced garlic and stir briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. These aromatics lay the perfect foundation for the creamy sauce to come.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Stir the uncooked long-grain white rice into the skillet, mixing it with the onions and garlic. Let the rice toast lightly for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This little toasting step enhances the flavor by adding a subtle nuttiness that elevates the overall dish.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Pour in the chicken broth, give everything a good stir, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover your skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the rice to simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the broth is fully absorbed and the rice is perfectly tender.
Step 5: Prepare the Peas
While the rice cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the frozen peas, cooking them just until warmed through in about 2 to 3 minutes. This method keeps the peas bright and tender, ready to add a fresh burst to the creamy mixture.
Step 6: Bring it All Together
Remove the skillet from heat once the rice is cooked. Stir in the heavy cream, stirring gently to start that luscious creamy sauce. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper, folding everything together until every grain of rice is coated. Return the cooked chicken and the warmed peas to the skillet, gently combining them so that each ingredient shines in harmony.
Step 7: Let the Flavors Meld
Cover the skillet one last time and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes. This brief pause allows the flavors to marry perfectly, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as the last. Then, give it a final stir and it’s ready to serve.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish can elevate the presentation and introduce a fresh contrast. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a burst of green and a hint of herbal brightness. If you love extra cheesiness, grate a touch more Parmesan over the top for a nutty finish that melts just slightly on the warm dish.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken and rice pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. A light vinaigrette can cut through the richness perfectly. If you want to keep it indulgent, garlic bread makes an excellent companion, soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this dish in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra cream or a sprinkle of chili flakes for subtle heat. You can also bake it lightly after preparation with a topping of breadcrumbs and cheese to create a golden crust. Wrapping individual portions in fresh lettuce leaves for a low-carb twist makes for a fun, hands-on meal as well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days without losing much of its flavor or texture, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish longer, freezing is an option. Cool the recipe completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. To bring back the creamy texture, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream as you warm it up. This will refresh the sauce and prevent the rice from drying out, keeping every bite luscious and comforting.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a chewier texture, but it takes longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly and increase the broth amount to ensure it cooks through.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, this dish is mild and creamy, making it very kid-friendly. You can omit the herbs if your kids prefer simpler flavors or add more cheese for extra appeal.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
While heavy cream gives the dish its signature richness, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind it won’t be quite as thick and indulgent but will still taste delicious.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add beans for protein, making it a creamy, satisfying vegetarian meal.
What type of Parmesan cheese is best to use?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese delivers the best flavor and texture, melting smoothly into the sauce. Pre-grated versions work in a pinch but may not blend as evenly.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting about a good creamy chicken and rice dish, and this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe hits all the right notes with ease. It’s a satisfying, flavorful meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen but delivers on deliciousness every time. I hope you make this recipe soon and enjoy the cozy, creamy magic it brings to your table!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken and rice recipe combines tender diced chicken breast with fluffy long-grain white rice, cooked in a flavorful broth and finished with a rich blend of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with sautéed onions, garlic, herbs, and sweet peas, this comforting skillet meal is perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon butter
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Oils, Dairy & Cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the hot oil, cooking for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink and thoroughly cooked, stirring occasionally.
- Set chicken aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to keep warm.
- Sauté onion: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Incorporate rice: Add uncooked long-grain white rice to the skillet, stirring it in with the onions and garlic.
- Toast rice: Cook the rice mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to lightly brown the rice and enhance flavor.
- Add broth: Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the skillet and stir to combine evenly with the rice.
- Boil then simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.
- Simmer Rice: Let the rice cook covered for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Cook peas: While the rice cooks, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
- Finish sauce: Remove skillet from heat once rice is cooked; stir in 1 cup heavy cream to make the dish creamy.
- Add cheese and herbs: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Combine chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well into the creamy rice mixture.
- Add peas: Gently fold the cooked peas into the dish to evenly distribute them.
- Season to taste: Taste the creamy chicken and rice, and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Meld flavors: Cover the skillet and let the mixture rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnishing with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese for a flavorful finish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer, fresh herbs can replace dried thyme and parsley for a brighter flavor.
- Make sure to toast the rice carefully to avoid burning; stirring frequently helps.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and taste.
- This recipe can be adapted to use brown rice but will require a longer cooking time and more broth.
- To keep it gluten-free, verify that the chicken broth is gluten-free as some brands may contain additives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
