This creamy chicken and rice dish is perfect for a cozy dinner! With tender chicken and fluffy rice all wrapped up in a rich, creamy sauce, it’s hard to resist.
I love how simple it is to make—just toss everything together, let it cook, and dinner is served! Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day. Yum! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I usually prefer thighs for their juiciness, but boneless breasts work fine too. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use skinless chicken or even turkey. You can also swap in canned chickpeas for a plant-based alternative.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this dish since it cooks up fluffy. If you’d like to mix it up, try using brown rice for a nuttier flavor, but remember that it will take longer to cook.
Heavy Cream: Cream adds richness, but you can use half-and-half or even unsweetened coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version. I’d recommend tasting as you go since substitutions can change the flavor a bit.
Cheese: Cheddar adds a lovely creaminess, but any mild cheese like mozzarella or gouda would work. If you’re avoiding cheese, nutritional yeast can offer a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Cooked Rice?
Cooking rice just right can be tricky, but here’s a simple guide. Rinsing your rice before cooking removes excess starch, helping it to stay fluffy. When boiling the chicken broth, ensure it’s at a rolling boil before adding the rinsed rice. This helps it absorb the liquid properly. Here are some tips:
- Monitor your heat when the rice is simmering; too high can burn it, while too low may leave it soggy.
- Always cover the pot while simmering, which traps steam, ensuring that the rice cooks evenly.
- After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to finish cooking in its steam.
Enjoy cooking your creamy chicken and rice dish! 💖
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy chicken and rice recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes softened and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—this will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Add Rice and Broth:
Now it’s time to add the rinsed rice to the skillet! Stir it around to coat it well with the onions and garlic. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook and most of the liquid to be absorbed.
4. Combine and Thicken:
After the rice has cooked, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream. Add the cooked chicken pieces back in, along with your dried thyme (or Italian seasoning) and any frozen peas or mixed vegetables if you’re adding them. Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
5. Final Touches:
If you want that extra creamy goodness, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and makes everything lovely and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed—this is your chance to make it just right!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything looks good, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Your creamy chicken and rice is now ready to enjoy!
Enjoy your creamy chicken and rice dinner! 🍽️😊
FAQ about Creamy Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time. Generally, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook. Adjust the broth amount and check for doneness to ensure it’s cooked through.
How Do I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer. You can also omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to maintain the creaminess.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Any Chicken Broth? Can I Use Water Instead?
While chicken broth enhances flavor, you can use water in a pinch. To boost the flavor of the dish, consider adding a bouillon cube or seasoning the water with herbs and spices.
How to Store Leftovers Properly?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it seems too thick.
