If you’re dreaming of a cozy, hearty meal that tastes like a big comforting hug, this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. It’s everything you love in a weeknight dinner: tender chicken, fluffy rice, pops of colorful veggies, and a luscious, velvety sauce, all simmered together in just one skillet. Whether you’re cooking for a family or whipping up something easy after a long day, this dish delivers satisfaction with every bite!

Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is a breeze. Each component is simple but chosen for maximum flavor impact, giving this dish its signature creamy texture, color, and irresistible taste.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Using bite-size pieces ensures juicy chicken that cooks quickly and evenly.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, savory base that complements the other flavors.
Garlic: Just a bit wakes up the whole skillet with deep aroma and zing.
Long grain white rice: Gives the recipe its heartiness and soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Infuses the rice and chicken with savory goodness while keeping things light.
Heavy cream: Brings the signature creamy sauce that makes this recipe so dreamy and comforting.
Frozen peas and carrots: Thawed, these add vibrant bursts of sweetness and color.
Dried thyme: Gives an earthy herbal note that ties everything together beautifully.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for pulling all the flavors together and enhancing every ingredient.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess and a slight nutty kick.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top brightens up the final dish, both visually and flavor-wise.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and let it cook, undisturbed at first, to develop a gorgeous golden color—this locks in juiciness! Stir and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides but not necessarily cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Using the same skillet (don’t wash it—those flavorful brown bits are essential!), toss in your diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent, then add the garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant—you’ll immediately smell the magic happening!

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add your uncooked rice right into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir it around for 1-2 minutes. Toasting the rice brings out a nutty flavor and ensures that every grain is coated in that tasty base.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes. The rice will soak up all that savory broth and puff up beautifully.

Step 5: Add Cream, Veggies, and Seasonings

After the rice has gently cooked, stir in the heavy cream, peas and carrots, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. This is where the Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe truly earns its name—watch as the mixture turns luscious and thick!

Step 6: Return Chicken and Finish Cooking

Place the browned chicken (and any juices) back into the skillet. Let everything simmer together, uncovered, for another 5 to 7 minutes. The rice should be tender and the sauce creamy and rich, with all the components becoming best friends in the pan.

Step 7: Add Parmesan and Serve

Stir in the grated Parmesan and let it melt into the dish for a final touch of flavor and silkiness. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and serve your Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe warm and ready to wow!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your dish with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness, or give it a dusting of extra Parmesan if you’re feeling a little indulgent. For a pop of flavor, a small squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds a subtle zing that balances the creaminess perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is filling all on its own, but it shines even brighter when paired with a crisp green salad, some garlicky roasted vegetables, or simple steamed broccoli. A slice of crusty bread on the side is always a good idea to mop up any extra sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic feel, or use wide platters for family-style dining. Scoop the creamy mixture into halved roasted bell peppers for a fun twist, or top with a fried egg for a brunchy upgrade—there are so many ways to make this dish your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe keeps beautifully! Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making busy weeknight dinners delightfully simple.

Freezing

This recipe can also be frozen if you want to have a batch ready for later. Spoon portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if the mixture seems a bit thick. You can also use the microwave for quick lunches—just cover and stir halfway for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and will need more liquid. Add extra broth and adjust cooking times—just check for tenderness as you go!

What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy?

Browning the chicken first helps lock in moisture, and simmering it gently in the sauce prevents it from drying out. Avoid overcooking once you’ve added the chicken back into the skillet for that perfect, tender bite.

Can I swap the heavy cream to make it lighter?

Yes! You can use half-and-half for a lighter creaminess, or even a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a protein boost. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Is this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe gluten free?

As written, the recipe is naturally gluten free—just be sure to check your chicken broth and Parmesan to confirm they’re gluten-free brands.

How can I add extra vegetables?

Feel free to stir in a handful of baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, or even fresh bell peppers along with your peas and carrots. This Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is super adaptable based on what you have on hand!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy dinner that always delivers comfort and flavor, you can’t go wrong with this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe. I’m so excited for you to enjoy this cozy meal with your family, and can’t wait for it to become a regular at your table. Give it a try—you may just discover your new weeknight favorite!

Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting one-pot meal that is quick and easy to make. Tender chicken, aromatic onions and garlic, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce come together to create a satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

For the Rice:

1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley, optional, for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting it lightly toast. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Finish the Dish: Stir in the heavy cream, peas and carrots, thyme, salt, and pepper. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer uncovered for another 5-7 minutes until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.