This creamy chicken and rice dish is like a warm hug on a plate! With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a smooth sauce, it’s comfort food that’s super easy to make.
And let’s be real, who doesn’t love one-pan meals? I enjoy how it all cooks together, so there’s less mess to clean up—now that’s a win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my favorite for their juicy texture. If you prefer or need a leaner option, chicken breasts work just as well. You can use cooked leftover chicken to save time too!
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this dish as it cooks up fluffy. You could substitute it with brown rice or even quinoa, but keep in mind that cooking times will vary. You may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Heavy cream: This adds richness to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or even low-fat milk can work, but the sauce won’t be as creamy. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut milk.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its melty goodness, but cheddar adds a nice bite. If you’re vegan, nuts like cashews can be blended into a cream for a dairy-free alternative.
How Do You Achieve the Perfectly Creamy Sauce?
Creating that creamy sauce is key to this dish’s comfort! The trick is in how you incorporate the cream and cheese. After simmering the rice, remove the chicken first. This way, you can stir in the cream and cheese without worrying about the chicken overcooking.
- Once the cream is added, mix well until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed before returning the chicken to the pan.
- Let the chicken warm back up for just a couple of minutes to keep it juicy.
Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe for Easy Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes for cooking, giving you a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thoroughly with salt and pepper. This will help enhance the flavor of the meat.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken to the pan and sear until golden brown on both sides, which should take about 5 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Toast the Rice:
Add the uncooked rice to the pan, stirring to coat it in the oil and letting it toast lightly for about 2 minutes. This step adds a lovely flavor to the final dish.
5. Add Broth and Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, then nestle the chicken back on top of the rice. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Make It Creamy:
Once the rice is ready, remove the chicken briefly. Stir in the heavy cream and cheese into the rice, mixing until everything is melted and creamy.
7. Finish Up:
Return the chicken to the pan and let it warm through for a couple more minutes. Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting chicken and rice dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but note that it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Typically, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook. Increase the chicken broth to 3 cups and simmer longer until the rice is tender.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. This will still give you a creamy texture without the dairy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry to keep it creamy.
What Vegetables Can I Add for Extra Nutrition?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables! Frozen peas, spinach, or broccoli are great options. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat them through without losing crunch.
