Name: Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice; 2 1/4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe. Picture tender chunks of chicken nestled in fluffy, perfectly cooked rice, all hugged by a velvety sauce—plus pops of veggies and just the right hint of herbs. Everything simmers together in one pan, locking in flavor and making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply want a cozy weeknight dinner, this irresistible classic deserves a spot in your regular rotation!

Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this recipe so special is how a humble set of ingredients comes together to create a dish that tastes like a labor of love. Each component adds its own magic—either boosting flavor, lending creaminess, or adding a burst of color that brightens up the plate.

Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless breasts or thighs for juicy, tender bites that soak up every drop of flavor.
Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil helps to brown the chicken beautifully and brings a hint of peppery depth.
Butter: Adds rich, classic flavor and helps soften the onion and garlic, rounding out the sauce.
Onion: Sweetness and aroma in every bite, onions are the essential flavor base for countless comfort dishes.
Garlic: Just two cloves give a subtle savoriness—mellow, not overpowering.
Long Grain White Rice: Toasting the rice before simmering keeps each grain separate and delivers texture you’ll love.
Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with extra savory flavor as it cooks and keeps everything super moist.
Heavy Cream: This is where the “creamy” magic happens, transforming the sauce into pure silk.
Frozen Peas and Carrots: No chopping needed! They sneak in nutrition, color, and slight sweetness.
Dried Thyme: Just a hint brings delicate herbal notes—don’t skip it!
Salt: This small amount pulls all the flavors together without going overboard.
Black Pepper: For a touch of warmth and gentle spice—freshly cracked is best.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts right in, giving you that salty edge and extra creamy finish.
Chopped Parsley (optional): Adds fresh color and a burst of brightness just before serving.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter melts and bubbles just a bit, add your chicken pieces. Let them cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning as needed until they’re lightly browned and nearly cooked through. This step locks juicy flavor into the chicken and creates tasty browned bits in the pan—don’t discard them, they’re gold! Once the chicken is ready, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes. When the onion softens and turns slightly translucent, stir in the garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds. This duo builds an aroma base that’ll make anyone wandering near your kitchen stop and ask, “What smells so good?”

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Pour in the uncooked rice directly into the skillet. Stir frequently and let the rice toast for 1 to 2 minutes. Toasting the rice gives it an almost nutty flavor and keeps every grain from getting mushy. This little extra step makes a huge difference in the final Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Base

Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to your pan. Give it a gentle stir, making sure to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom (they add so much flavor!). Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This is when all those luscious flavors meld and the rice gets cooked just right.

Step 5: Add Veggies and Chicken

Lift the lid and pour the frozen peas and carrots into the simmering mixture, then nestle the cooked chicken right back in. Cover the skillet again and continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes. The rice should be tender, most of the liquid absorbed, and everything smelling absolutely divine.

Step 6: Finish With Parmesan

Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese is fully melted and blended, creating a dreamy, ultra-creamy sauce. Let everything sit for about 5 minutes—this gives the Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe time to thicken up to that perfect comfort-food consistency. Top with parsley if you like, and prepare to dig in!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing completes a bowl of Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe quite like a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dusting of extra Parmesan. That pop of green makes every serving look inviting and restaurant-worthy, while the cheesy finish takes the comfort level up a notch. If you like a little heat, a crack of black pepper or even some red pepper flakes works beautifully, too.

Side Dishes

This recipe is a complete meal on its own, but it shines even brighter alongside a leafy green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, or some roasted asparagus or broccoli. Warm, crusty bread is a winner for soaking up every last bit of creamy sauce—no judgment if you go back for seconds!

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl! Spoon this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe into individual ramekins for a dinner party, or stuff it into hollowed bell peppers before baking for a colorful twist. It also makes a fantastic filling for puff pastry turnovers or a comforting base for a mini casserole, topped with buttery breadcrumbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is a dream for meal prepping. Just cool any extra completely before scooping into airtight containers. Store in the fridge, and enjoy within three to four days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for a rainy day, this dish freezes surprisingly well. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to two months—just label with the date so you know when it’s time for a cozy chicken-and-rice night!

Reheating

To reheat, splash a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or milk over the rice before microwaving (covered) or gently warming in a saucepan on the stove. This brings back the creamy texture as it heats through. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming, especially if reheating from frozen.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe with brown rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works well, though it’ll need about 10 to 15 minutes longer to cook and may require an extra splash of broth. The nutty taste of brown rice is a fantastic match for the creamy sauce.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version, though the final dish may be a bit less rich (but still completely delicious!).

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free. Always double-check packaging if you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in fresh mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli florets when adding the peas and carrots. Just adjust cook time as needed, and you’ll have an even heartier dish.

How spicy is this recipe?

This dish is family-friendly and mild as written, but you can always add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick if you like a little heat in your Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl—simple, satisfying, and just the thing for busy evenings or sharing with someone you love. Give it a try; it might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner!

Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this comforting Creamy Chicken and Rice dish. Tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce come together for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Other Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Add chicken and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Prepare the Rice: Stir in rice and cook briefly. Add chicken broth, cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until rice is tender.
Finish the Dish: Stir in peas, carrots, and chicken. Cook until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan until creamy. Let sit before serving. Garnish with parsley.