This Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice that all come together in one pot.
I love how quick and easy it is to whip up—perfect for busy nights. Just stir it all together and let it simmer. Who doesn’t love less mess in the kitchen? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for tenderness. If you’re looking for lighter options, try using turkey. For a vegetarian twist, consider using firm tofu or chickpeas instead.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal because it cooks well and remains fluffy. If you want more fiber, switch to brown rice, but be mindful that cooking time will increase. Quinoa is a great gluten-free alternative, too!
Heavy Cream: This adds richness, but you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even cashew cream for a lighter version. If you want to cut calories, use Greek yogurt but stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling.
Onion and Garlic: These are key for depth of flavor. Shallots or green onions can substitute the onion, and garlic powder can work in a pinch if you don’t have fresh garlic.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Creaminess?
The key to a creamy sauce in this recipe lies in a couple of techniques. Start by browning the chicken well; this adds flavor. Then, when you add the cream (or milk), reduce the heat to low to avoid curdling.
- Stir constantly after adding the cream to help it integrate smoothly.
- If you’re using cheese, add it after removing the dish from direct heat for the best melting result.
Remember to let the sauce simmer gently during the cooking process for that creamy consistency. Avoid rapid boiling as this can separate the sauce!
Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dinner takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20–25 minutes to cook, for a total of around 35–40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and comforting meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Pan:
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. This will help get the chicken nice and golden!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add in the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2–3 minutes until it becomes soft. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until you can smell that yummy garlic aroma.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Now it’s time to add the chicken pieces to your pan. Season them with a little salt, pepper, and the dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and mostly cooked through.
4. Adding the Rice:
Stir the uncooked rice into the pan, making sure it gets coated with all that flavorful oil and chicken mixture. This step adds a lovely richness to the dish!
5. Pouring in the Broth:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and give it a good stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any tasty browned bits that may have stuck. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
6. Simmering the Contents:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook and soak up all that delicious broth.
7. Making it Creamy:
After the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stir in the heavy cream (or milk). If you’re using shredded cheese, toss that in as well. Mix everything together until the cheese is melted and the sauce is nice and creamy.
8. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste your dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Then, garnish with fresh parsley or chives to add a pop of color and flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now your creamy, comforting chicken and rice dinner is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm and dig into this tasty meal.
Bon appétit!
Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner FAQ
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes about 40–45 minutes to cook, so increase the liquid slightly and simmer until it’s tender.
Can I Substitute the Chicken for Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use turkey, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that the cooking times are adjusted according to the protein you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. You can also omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to loosen it up.
