If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: Creamy Chicken And Rice. Imagine spoonfuls of tender chicken and fluffy rice, all wrapped up in a luscious, velvety sauce—this dish is the culinary equivalent of a hug, and trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy and Satisfying: Each spoonful of this Creamy Chicken And Rice offers melt-in-your-mouth comfort with the dreamiest texture.
- One-Pan Wonder: You only need a single skillet—less clean-up, more time to relax and savor the goodness.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Basic kitchen staples create a deeply flavorful meal the whole family will crave.
- Ready in Just 35 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends—dinner is on the table in no time, no stress involved!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Chicken And Rice is its reliance on wholesome, everyday ingredients—each one playing an essential role. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why every item earns its spot in this beloved recipe.
- Chicken Breasts (1 pound, cubed): Lean, tender chicken soaks up all the savory seasonings and adds protein-packed bites.
- Sweet Paprika: Gives your chicken a warm color and a subtle smoky-sweet flavor.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry powerhouses deepen the overall savoriness and amplify the cozy vibes.
- Butter (unsalted): For sautéing—the base of all great flavor and that characteristic silky mouthfeel.
- Onion (chopped): Transforms into a sweet, aromatic foundation as it softens and cooks.
- Fresh Garlic (minced): Adds that irresistible punch we all crave in homemade comfort food.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that brings whispery notes of earthiness and depth.
- Long Grain Rice (Jasmine recommended): The star of the show for a fluffy, cohesive dish that doesn’t clump.
- Chicken Broth (low sodium): Locks in juiciness and infuses every kernel of rice with savory goodness.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning, especially towards the end to balance flavors.
- Heavy Cream: The magical ingredient that delivers the ultra-creamy, dreamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Adds a nutty, salty finish—and makes everything better!
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish—it brightens the dish and adds a pop of color and freshness just before serving.
Variations
One of the best parts about making Creamy Chicken And Rice at home is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you want to use up extra veggies, make it gluten-free, or adjust the creaminess, here are simple ways to make this recipe all your own.
- Swap the Protein: Use boneless thighs for richer flavor, or swap in cooked shrimp or tofu for a fun twist.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in peas, carrots, spinach, or broccoli florets along with the rice for extra color and nutrients.
- Lighten It Up: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or use Greek yogurt for a lighter yet still creamy finish.
- Herb Switch-Up: Try swapping Italian seasoning for herbes de Provence or just fresh thyme and rosemary if you like deeper herb notes.
How to Make Creamy Chicken And Rice
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by tossing your cubed chicken breasts with sweet paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder—don’t be shy, really massage those flavors in! Set the chicken aside to let those simple spices work their magic for a few minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions & Garlic
Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and cook for about three minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent. Drop in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just 30 seconds—your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for around five minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the chicken to be cooked through and no longer pink in the center—juicy and ready to soak up all the goodness coming its way.
Step 4: Add Rice & Liquids
Stir in the Italian seasoning and rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Give everything a gentle stir, season with some salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, drop the heat to a simmer and cover your skillet with a tight lid.
Step 5: Simmer & Let the Rice Cook
Resist all temptations to peek or stir—the magic happens with the lid on! Let the Creamy Chicken And Rice mixture cook undisturbed for 15 minutes so the rice absorbs all those savory flavors.
Step 6: Make it Creamy & Finish
Gently stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then simmer for another couple minutes. The sauce thickens, the rice becomes ultra-creamy, and the whole skillet transforms into coziness incarnate. Adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken And Rice
- Rinse Your Rice for Fluffiness: Always rinse the rice under cold water before adding it in—this quick step eliminates excess starch for perfectly separate grains.
- Do Not Peek: Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice cooks—steam is your best friend for tender, moist results.
- Add Salt Judiciously: With Parmesan and chicken broth already adding saltiness, wait until the end to adjust your seasoning—taste before you add more!
- Freshly Grated Parmesan is Key: Skip the pre-shredded kind if you can; real Parm melts better and creates the creamiest sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken And Rice
Garnishes
I love to shower my Creamy Chicken And Rice with a handful of freshly chopped parsley to brighten everything up. If you want extra indulgence, a little more freshly grated Parmesan on top is never a bad idea—it gives a gorgeous, cheesy finish and looks so inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but a crisp green salad or simply steamed veggies (think broccoli or green beans) make for a perfectly balanced plate. If you’re feeling extra cozy, a side of warm, crusty bread is fantastic for swooping up all that extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve Creamy Chicken And Rice in individual ramekins or nestled inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a charming, dinner-party twist. Or, top each plate with a swirl of herbed sour cream or a few crispy shallots for added flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The flavors meld together even more as it sits, making Creamy Chicken And Rice a truly irresistible next-day lunch.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Creamy Chicken And Rice! Just let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. The sauce may thicken slightly, but a splash of milk or broth when reheating brings it back to life.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm on the stove with a little extra cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between, so the rice doesn’t dry out—it’s the secret to creamy leftovers every time.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead of white long grain rice?
Yes! Brown rice works, but it requires a longer cooking time and a bit more liquid. Plan for an extra 15–20 minutes of simmering and add an additional 1/2 cup of chicken broth. The dish will still be just as creamy and delicious!
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Can I make Creamy Chicken And Rice dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the butter for olive oil, the heavy cream for unsweetened coconut milk or a creamy oat milk, and use your favorite dairy-free cheese. The texture will remain creamy with a slightly different (but tasty!) flavor profile.
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What’s the best way to avoid mushy rice?
Rinse the rice thoroughly and be sure not to disturb the skillet while it cooks. Keep the lid on for the full 15 minutes and avoid stirring during the simmering stage—these are key for perfect, fluffy rice.
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Can I add vegetables to Creamy Chicken And Rice?
Definitely! Toss in quick-cooking veggies like peas or spinach during the last few minutes, or add heartier favorites such as carrots and broccoli in with the rice so they cook through. It’s a great way to boost nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken And Rice is the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat—the cozy, kitchen-filling aromas and sumptuous flavors are pure comfort. I can’t wait for you to enjoy every warm, creamy bite and make it a go-to favorite in your own home, too!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, all cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Rice:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup long-grain rice, such as Jasmine
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until no longer pink.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in Italian seasoning, rice, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered for 15 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in cream and Parmesan. Cook until rice absorbs most of the cream. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Do not disturb the lid while the rice is steaming.
- Season the dish at the end to adjust salt levels.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
