This creamy chicken and rice dish is super easy and comforting. Made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a delicious creamy sauce, it’s perfect for busy nights!
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a one-pot dinner? It means less mess and more time to kick back. I often add some veggies for color and crunch—makes it even better! 🥕😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work wonderfully. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken with turkey or even use leftover cooked chicken to make it quicker.
Rice: Long-grain white rice gives the best texture here, but you can use brown rice or jasmine rice as alternatives. If you choose brown rice, just remember to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream makes the dish rich, half-and-half or milk works well for a lighter version. For dairy-free, try coconut milk or almond milk, just keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
Vegetables: I like adding frozen peas and carrots for a pop of color and nutrients. You can also use fresh veggies like bell peppers or spinach, which brighten up the dish nicely.
How Do I Get the Rice Perfectly Cooked in This Recipe?
The key to cooking rice appropriately is using the right liquid ratio and timing. When you add the chicken broth and cream, it creates a creamy base for the rice to absorb.
- First, let the mixture boil gently after adding the liquid. This helps the rice start cooking evenly.
- Then, reduce the heat and cover the pan tightly. This ensures steam stays in, which is critical for fluffy rice.
- Don’t lift the lid too often! It needs consistent heat and steam to cook properly, usually around 15 minutes.
When you stir in the chicken, it’s a final touch that keeps everything warm and melded together. Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
Seasoning and Add-Ons:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken and rice dish takes about 30 minutes in total: 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and easy dinner option for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point!
3. Toast the Rice:
Next, stir in the rinsed rice and cook for 1-2 minutes. This step helps to lightly toast the rice, enhancing its flavor.
4. Create the Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the dried thyme. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This is where the magic begins!
5. Cook the Rice:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook through and absorb most of the liquid.
6. Combine Everything Together:
After 15 minutes, stir in the cooked chicken, frozen peas and carrots if you’re using them, and the Parmesan cheese. Cover the pan again and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This will heat everything through and melt the cheese.
7. Season and Serve:
Taste your creamy chicken and rice and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Finish it off by garnishing with fresh parsley, and then serve warm. Enjoy your comforting meal with family or friends!
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add in other veggies like mushrooms or spinach, or swap herbs to suit your taste. Happy cooking!
FAQ: Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
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 and more liquid. Instead of 2 ½ cups of chicken broth, you might need about 3 cups, and cook the rice for around 30-35 minutes instead of 15 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or regular milk for a lighter option. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut milk or almond milk, but be mindful that it may change the flavor slightly.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and rice mixture, then let it cool completely and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore moisture if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Enjoy it again for an easy, delicious meal!
