This Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice dish is both tasty and comforting. With tender chicken and creamy sauce, it’s a perfect meal for any day of the week!
You just throw everything in one pot and let it cook—easy peasy! I enjoy this with a sprinkle of parsley on top for a bit of color. What’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. If you want a quicker option, use rotisserie chicken. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Rice: Long grain white rice keeps the dish light and fluffy. Brown rice is a healthy alternative, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.
Heavy Cream: Cream makes it rich and smooth. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half, or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Seasoning: Dried thyme or Italian seasoning add a great flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs; fresh herbs like rosemary or basil would also shine here!
How Do I Achieve the Best Creaminess?
The key to a creamy sauce lies in adding the cream properly. After cooking the rice and chicken, stir in the cream off the heat. This prevents it from curdling. Mix thoroughly to combine. If you want an extra creamy texture, mix in a bit of extra cheese!
- Make sure to cook the dish gently once you add the cream to maintain a nice consistency.
- Don’t forget to adjust your seasoning with salt and pepper at the end to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 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 for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. In just 40 minutes, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them for about 5 minutes, until they are lightly browned on all sides. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and you can smell the garlic’s fragrant aroma. This step builds a wonderful flavor for your dish.
3. Add the Rice:
Next, add the rinsed rice to the pan. Stir it around to coat it in the leftover oil and cook for 1 minute. This helps toast the rice slightly for extra flavor.
4. Combine with Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, then bring the mixture back to life by adding the previously cooked chicken. Sprinkle in the dried thyme or Italian seasoning, and season everything with salt and pepper to your taste.
5. Simmer the Dish:
Increase the heat and bring it all to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed by the time it’s ready.
6. Make it Creamy:
After the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and the optional Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. Let it cook uncovered for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce has thickened. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Your Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice is ready! Spoon it into bowls and garnish with the freshly chopped parsley for a lovely finish. Enjoy your comforting dish!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quick thaw. Make sure to cook it thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to bring back its creaminess.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little chicken broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
What Can I Serve With Creamy Chicken and Rice?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, a crisp salad, or bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with a side of your favorite roasted veggies for a balanced meal!
