This Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for dinner. With tender chicken and creamy sauce, it’s like a hug on a plate!
I love how simple it is—just cook, combine, and enjoy! It’s a great way to use leftover chicken, and you’ll be amazed at how quick it comes together. Perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using diced tofu or chickpeas instead for protein.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is the base here. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, brown rice or quinoa can also be used, but keep in mind they may require more cooking time and liquid.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the dish. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or even a nut milk like cashew milk, keeping it creamy but lighter.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives flavor. For a non-dairy option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Ensure My Rice Turns Out Perfectly Cooked?
The key to perfectly cooked rice lies in managing the liquid and heat. After adding the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil to lock in moisture, then lower the heat and cover it. This helps steam the rice evenly.
- Be sure not to lift the lid while the rice is cooking down, as it releases steam, which is essential for cooking the rice.
- Once the cooking time is up, let it sit (off the heat) for a few minutes before uncovering to allow any remaining steam to finish cooking the rice.
Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 25 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 35 minutes to have a warm, delicious meal on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking 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. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sautéing the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, throw in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it smells amazing!
3. Cooking the Rice:
Next, add the rice to the skillet and stir it well to coat it with the oil and onion mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover it up, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
4. Making It Creamy:
Once your rice is ready, it’s time to transform it into a creamy delight! Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme or Italian seasoning, and the cooked chicken pieces. Keep cooking on low heat for about 2-3 minutes, just until everything is heated throughout and combines into a deliciously creamy mixture.
5. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. When you’re ready to serve, dish it out hot and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting chicken and rice! It’s a perfect dish for any day of the week!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but note that it requires more cooking time and liquid. Typically, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so you’ll need to increase the broth to about 3 cups and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Keep covered while cooking to maintain moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, though this may slightly alter the flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to bring back the creaminess. You can also use the microwave if preferred.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken, sauté the onions, and cook the rice in advance. Just combine everything right before you’re ready to serve, heating it through slowly on the stove to ensure it stays creamy.
