This creamy chicken and rice dish is a perfect dinner option that’s both tasty and comforting. Made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich sauce, it’s a hug in a bowl!
I love how quickly this comes together, so I can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying dinner with my family. And who doesn’t love a one-pot meal? It’s pure dinner magic! ✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use turkey. For a vegetarian twist, you might substitute chicken with mushrooms or firm tofu, sautéed until golden.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is the go-to here, but you can use brown rice or jasmine rice for different flavors. Just note that cooking times may vary, so adjust liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives that rich texture. If you’re watching calories, half-and-half works well too. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative, which adds a unique flavor.
Cheese: Cheddar adds great creaminess but feel free to mix it up with mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese substitute. I love sharp cheddar for a deeper taste!
How Do You Make Creamy Rice without It Being Gummy?
Getting that creamy texture while keeping the rice fluffy is key! Follow these steps for success:
- Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking. This washes away excess starch, preventing gummyness.
- Cook the rice in plenty of broth; this infuses flavor and moisture without turning it sticky.
- Add the cream and cheese at the end of cooking. This helps maintain the creamy texture without overcooking.
- Stir gently when combining ingredients, which keeps the rice grains intact.
By paying attention to these details, you’ll achieve a perfectly creamy chicken and rice dish every time!
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken and rice recipe takes about 25 minutes of preparation and cooking time. It’s a perfect quick meal for busy weeknights, and it all comes together in one pot for easy cleanup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to get nicely browned on all sides and cooked through. After that, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for now.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells great!
3. Add the Rice:
Now, toss the uncooked rice into the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir it around a bit to coat the rice with all those lovely flavors.
4. Simmer:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Add Cream and Cheese:
Once the rice is done, it’s time to add the heavy cream and the cooked chicken pieces back into the pan. If you want it extra creamy, stir in the cheddar cheese at this point. Mix everything well and season it with your dried thyme (or Italian seasoning), salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Final Touch:
Continue to cook the mixture on low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure it’s nice and creamy. Once everything is heated through, it’s ready to serve!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, remove the pan from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve up your creamy chicken and rice and enjoy this comforting meal!
Delicious, creamy, and oh-so-easy! Bon appétit! 🍽️
FAQ for Creamy Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken can be a great time-saver. Just add it in during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through and blend the flavors.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works perfectly. For a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut milk or a plant-based cream for a different flavor and creaminess.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it creamy.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice mixture ahead of time! Cool completely before refrigerating. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding cream or broth to adjust the consistency.
