This creamy chicken and rice dinner is super comforting and delicious! With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich sauce, it’s a perfect one-pot meal for busy nights.
You can’t go wrong with a dish that brings everything together in one pan! I love how easy it is to make, and my family always asks for seconds—who could resist that creamy goodness?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they cook evenly. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try skinless chicken thighs—they’re juicy and flavorful!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a nice flavor. You can swap it for butter or avocado oil for a different taste or to suit dietary restrictions.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce creamy. You can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter version, but it may change the flavor slightly.
Rice: Long grain white rice works best here. If you prefer brown rice, just keep in mind it will need more liquid and a longer cooking time—about 45 minutes!
How Do I Get the Chicken to Cook Perfectly?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken is key to this dish. Start by browning the chicken in the skillet to lock in flavors. Remember to cook on medium heat and avoid crowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Season the chicken well before cooking to enhance its flavor.
- Cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side, but don’t worry about it being fully cooked—that’s what the simmering step is for!
- After the rice is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet to warm it through, ensuring it stays juicy.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken and rice dinner will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to make this delicious meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Make sure to coat them evenly for the best flavor!
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, so you can remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
4. Prepare the Rice:
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the onion and garlic mixture. This will help enhance the flavor of the rice!
5. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a gentle boil. This will cook the rice and infuse the flavors together.
6. Simmer with Chicken:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (165°F or 74°C).
7. Make it Creamy:
Once the chicken and rice are cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the rice, mixing well until you have a creamy sauce.
8. Combine and Heat Through:
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of that creamy sauce over the top. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish as a garnish before serving. Enjoy this comforting meal with your family and friends!
Dig into your creamy, satisfying chicken and rice dinner! It’s sure to become a new favorite.
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice! However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, approximately 45 minutes, and you may need to increase the liquid to about 3 cups to ensure it cooks properly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it seems dry.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lactose-free version. Just remember that using a thinner liquid may change the creaminess slightly.
Is This Recipe Freezable?
This dish can be frozen! Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove until warmed through.
