This creamy chicken and rice dish is a favorite for busy nights! Tender chicken and fluffy rice come together in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s simply delightful. No fuss required!
I love how it all cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Honestly, it’s comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for sneaking in extra veggies too! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. If you’re looking for alternatives, thighs can add more flavor and juiciness. For a lighter option, you could even use shredded rotisserie chicken—just add it to the dish at the end to warm through.
Rice: Long-grain white rice works well for this creamy dish. If you have brown rice, you can use that, but remember it will take longer to cook. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are also healthy alternatives; adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture. If you want to lighten it up, half-and-half or even whole milk can be substituted. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk, which will add a different, lovely flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano makes a nice substitute. Nutritional yeast can be a great vegan option too!
How Do I Ensure My Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the rice just right is key to this recipe’s success. Follow these steps to avoid mushy rice:
- After adding the chicken broth to the rice, bring it to a rolling boil before covering. This helps the rice cook evenly.
- Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. High heat can evaporate the liquid too quickly.
- Keep the lid on while it simmers! This traps steam and cooks the rice properly, so resist the urge to peek!
- Check the rice after 15 minutes. If it’s still a bit firm, give it a few more minutes.
Creamy Chicken and Rice Easy Dinner Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and about 25 minutes for cooking. In total, it will take around 35 minutes to have a delicious, creamy chicken and rice dish ready to serve. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it turns translucent. This helps build a great flavor base for your dish. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the pan and season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme (or Italian seasoning). Cook everything for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink. This step ensures the chicken is tender and flavorful.
3. Toast the Rice:
Now, stir in the uncooked rice and give it a light toast for 1-2 minutes. This step adds a lovely nutty flavor to the rice and helps it hold its shape while cooking.
4. Add Liquid and Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it all to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Don’t lift the lid a lot; be patient!
5. Make it Creamy:
After the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. If you’re adding frozen peas or mixed vegetables, toss them in now too. Continue cooking uncovered for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture is creamy and hot.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Taste your delicious creation and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once ready, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade creamy chicken and rice dinner!
Enjoy your creamy, comforting chicken and rice dinner! It’s perfect for a cozy night in. 🍽️
FAQ for Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Can I Use Leftover Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, simply skip the initial cooking step and add it along with the cream and Parmesan cheese in step 8. This will save you time and add great flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free chicken broth and substitute regular rice with gluten-free rice options like jasmine or basmati rice. These will still achieve that creamy texture!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes! To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What Should I Serve with Creamy Chicken and Rice?
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You could also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce!
