If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is going to become your new go-to dinner. It perfectly balances tender chicken pieces with fluffy rice bathed in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce, dazzling your taste buds with every bite. This dish combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create something much greater than the sum of its parts, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a gathering where you want to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making this dish truly shine. Each item is carefully chosen to contribute not only flavor but also texture and color, ensuring that every spoonful is enjoyable and satisfying.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the chicken and vegetables while adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced: Tender, lean protein that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a savory sweetness that forms the flavor base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant depth that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Provides a fluffy, absorbent texture to soak up the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory goodness and keeps the dish juicy.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the signature richness and silky smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds earthy, aromatic notes that balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Lends freshness and a pop of green color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings just the right amount of bite.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas: Adds a sweet pop of color and crisp texture.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Used to gently cook the peas and add a silky finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced chicken and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. This initial sear locks in the juices and builds flavor, creating the perfect base for the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same pan, add the diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its fragrant aroma. These aromatics create a flavorful backdrop for the rice.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Stir the uncooked rice into the onion and garlic mixture. Toast the grains for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Toasting the rice adds a delightful nuttiness and helps keep the grains separate once cooked.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to low and cover the skillet. Let the rice simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender—this slow cooking is key to a perfectly creamy consistency.
Step 5: Cook the Peas While Rice Simmers
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the frozen peas and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through. This step keeps the peas vibrant and slightly crisp, adding freshness to the dish’s creamy base.
Step 6: Build the Creamy Sauce
Once the rice is tender, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and parsley along with salt and black pepper. Combining these ingredients now creates that oh-so-rich and luscious sauce that makes the Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Peas
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently fold it into the creamy rice mixture. Add the cooked peas and combine everything evenly. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let it rest covered for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully together.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add brightness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or an extra handful of grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. These simple garnishes add a vibrant color contrast and enhance the flavors, making the dish look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is a complete meal all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Light and fresh sides cut through the richness, balancing your dinner beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in hollowed-out bell peppers or large portobello mushroom caps. You could also spoon it into individual ramekins and broil with a sprinkle of extra cheese until golden for mini casseroles. Either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with a touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken as it chills, so gently stir and add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to restore the perfect texture.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this dish for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some space as the dish expands when frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to ensure even warming. Adding a little broth or cream will help melt the sauce back into its creamy glory without drying out the chicken or rice.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be used, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly and expect a nuttier flavor and chewier texture that pairs nicely with the creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer, and use a nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative instead of Parmesan. The flavor will differ slightly but still be delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
This dish is best made on the stovetop to achieve the perfect creamy texture and to avoid overcooked chicken. However, you could brown the chicken first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to customize by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or carrots. Just sauté or steam them beforehand to avoid sogginess, and fold them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes! Simply reduce the initial cooking time for the chicken. Add leftover chicken during the final step to gently warm it through without drying it out, maintaining the creamy texture of the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is the kind of comfort food that warms your heart and fills your home with irresistible aromas. It’s straightforward to prepare yet so satisfying, making it an absolute favorite for family dinners or cozy nights in. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every velvety bite as much as I do!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This creamy chicken and rice recipe features tender diced chicken breast cooked in a skillet with aromatic onions, garlic, and long-grain rice, simmered in savory chicken broth, then enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a luscious finish. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness, making this dish a comforting, well-balanced meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Proteins & Dairy
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Grains & Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Oils & Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until hot enough for cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Add diced chicken breast to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through.
- Remove cooked chicken: Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.
- Sauté onions: In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent, absorbing the flavorful chicken bits.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance the aroma.
- Toast the rice: Add uncooked long-grain white rice to the skillet and mix with the onions and garlic. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to lightly brown it.
- Add chicken broth: Pour chicken broth into the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly.
- Bring to boil and simmer: Increase heat to medium-high and bring mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Cook peas: While the rice cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
- Add cream and cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in heavy cream followed by grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper, creating a creamy sauce.
- Combine chicken and peas: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it into the rice mixture. Gently fold in the cooked peas for added texture and sweetness.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Rest and meld flavors: Cover the skillet and let the dish sit for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired for a delicious presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor profile.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Frozen peas can be replaced with fresh peas or other vegetables like green beans or corn.
- Make sure to not stir the rice too often while simmering to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
