Discover the joy of hearty, home-cooked goodness with this creamy chicken and rice recipe! Satisfying, simple, and made in just one pot, this dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich, velvety sauce that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Whether you’re planning a cozy winter dinner or looking for a meal prep option that’s both delicious and easy, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with all the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal. One bite, and your family will be asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken and Rice
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Ingredients
The Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
The Rice and Sauce:
- Long-grain white rice
- Onion, finely diced
- Cloves garlic, minced
- Medium carrots, diced
- Celery stalks, finely chopped
- Chicken broth
- Cups heavy cream
- Butter
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Frozen peas
- Fresh parsley for garnish
See recipe card for quantities.
Equipment
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with lid
- Sharp knife for chopping
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces generously with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper
- Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides
- Remove chicken to a plate and set aside
Build the Flavor Base
- In the same pot, add butter and let it melt
- Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
- Add rice and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly
Create the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits
- Add heavy cream and stir to combine
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer
- Return the chicken to the pot
Cook to Perfection
- Reduce heat to low and cover the pot
- Let simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed
- Add frozen peas and Parmesan cheese
- Stir gently to combine and let sit for 5 minutes
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving
- Step 1 : Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken, brown in olive oil, and set aside for later.
- Stp 3 : Build the Flavor Base
Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in butter; stir in rice to toast.
- Step 3 : Create the Creamy Sauce
Add broth and cream, scraping the pot to deglaze, and bring to a simmer.
- Step 4 : Cook to Perfection
Simmer chicken and rice until tender, finish with peas, Parmesan, and parsley.
Variations and Substitutions
Make It Lighter
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor while reducing added fats
- Replace some of the rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option
Try Different Flavors
- Transform it into creamy chicken and wild rice soup by adding extra broth
- Add mushrooms for an earthier flavor profile
- Incorporate different vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus
- Experiment with herbs like rosemary or sage instead of thyme
Storage and Reheating
- This creamy chicken and rice keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.
- Stir occasionally while reheating to ensure even warming.
For freezing:
- Let the dish cool completely
- Portion into freezer-safe containers
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
The Secret to Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice
The first time I made Creamy Chicken and Rice, I expected just another simple dinner—but what I discovered was pure comfort in a bowl. I realized that the secret to making this dish truly unforgettable lies in the slow simmering of flavors—allowing the rice to absorb the rich, savory broth while the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. But there’s more to it than just technique.
The real magic happens when you build layers of flavor—starting with a buttery sauté of onions and garlic, followed by a splash of broth that carries all the goodness from the pan straight into the rice. And then there’s the cream sauce—not just an afterthought, but the key to binding everything together in a silky, luscious texture that makes each bite better than the last. This dish isn’t just food—it’s comfort, nostalgia, and home-cooked love in one pot. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s become a go-to family favorite in my kitchen!
FAQ
Why is chicken and rice so effective?
Chicken and rice is effective because it combines lean protein with complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy and essential nutrients. The combination is easily digestible, making it perfect for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Additionally, both ingredients are cost-effective, versatile, and can be prepared in bulk for meal planning.k or cashew cream.
What sauces go well with chicken and rice?
Popular sauces that complement chicken and rice include teriyaki sauce, lemon garlic butter, coconut curry, honey soy glaze, and sweet chili sauce. These sauces add depth and flavor while maintaining the dish's nutritional benefits. Asian-inspired sauces like oyster or hoisin sauce also pair exceptionally well with this classic combination.
Why are chicken and rice good for bulking?
Chicken and rice are ideal for bulking because they provide a balanced ratio of protein and carbohydrates needed for muscle growth. One serving typically offers around 25-30g of protein from chicken and 45g of complex carbohydrates from rice, making it perfect for post-workout recovery and muscle building. The combination is also easily digestible and can be consumed in large quantities without digestive issues.oli and sharp cheddar cheese
What to add to chicken and rice for flavor?
To enhance chicken and rice flavor, add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or cajun spice blend. Fresh ingredients such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic also boost taste significantly. Additionally, incorporating fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or parsley, and finishing with a squeeze of lemon juice creates a more vibrant and flavorful dish.
Creamy Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Food
This Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a warm, cozy hug in a bowl! With tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich, velvety sauce, this dish is the definition of comfort food done right. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening, a busy weeknight, or as a crowd-pleasing family favorite, it’s guaranteed to bring warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.
Give this easy one-pot recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments! We’d love to hear your tips, tweaks, and creative variations to inspire other home cooks.
Loved our Creamy Chicken and Rice? Keep your week deliciously balanced with our Carrot Cake Energy Balls—a sweet and healthy snack that’s full of flavor and nutrition! Or, if you’re in the mood for another classic comfort dish, be sure to check out our Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for a side dish that’s always a hit!
👉 Try our Carrot Cake Energy Balls!
👉 Check out our Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe!
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Pairing
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Creamy Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet or cast iron pan with lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
The Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts cut into large chunks
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
The Rice:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Season Chicken:
- Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
- Coat chicken pieces evenly with seasoning mix
Sear Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
- Sear chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden
- Remove chicken and set aside
Prepare Base:
- In same skillet, melt butter
- Sauté onions until translucent (3-4 minutes)
- Add garlic, cook 1 minute
Cook Rice:
- Add rice, stir to coat with butter
- Pour in chicken broth and cream
- Bring to simmer
- Return chicken to skillet
Finish Dish:
- Cover and cook 18-20 minutes until rice is tender
- Stir in Parmesan cheese
- Let rest 5 minutes
- Garnish with parsley
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