Name: Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Chicken: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces) Seasonings: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme Rice Mixture: 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked), 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed) Finishing Touches: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

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If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, craveable dish that wraps you up in comfort, look no further than Creamy Chicken and Rice. This one-pan wonder is a weeknight hero, with juicy chicken, perfectly tender rice, pops of colorful veggies, and all the creamy goodness you could hope for. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or just want something soul-soothing all to yourself, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. You’ll fall in love with each cheesy, velvety bite!

Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Chicken and Rice is all in its straightforward ingredients—each one is chosen for both taste and texture. From silky cream to hearty rice and golden cheddar, every item on this list plays an essential role in making this dish irresistible.

Chicken breasts: Tender, lean protein—cutting them into bite-sized pieces helps everything cook evenly and soak up flavor.
Olive oil: Gives just the right amount of golden sear to your chicken and brings the ingredients together with a touch of richness.
Onion: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness, creating a savory base for the dish.
Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful, it wakes up all the ingredients with each sautéed clove.
Long-grain white rice: The backbone of Creamy Chicken and Rice—the grains turn perfectly fluffy while absorbing every bit of flavor.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice and chicken with savory, comforting notes and keeps everything deliciously moist.
Milk: Lends creaminess without heaviness, creating that luscious texture we all love.
Heavy cream: Adds unbeatable richness and body, making the sauce truly indulgent.
Salt and black pepper: Basic, yes, but absolutely necessary to bring every other flavor into balance.
Dried thyme: Gives a subtle herbal warmth that rounds out the dish beautifully.
Frozen peas and carrots: For pops of color and a touch of sweetness—plus, they make the meal even more wholesome.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy, gooey goodness, pulling the whole dish together.
Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of freshness and a burst of green to make your skillet sing.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in your biggest skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add those bite-sized chicken pieces and let them sizzle away until browned and almost cooked through—this should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Scoop the chicken onto a plate for now, letting all the flavorful bits left behind season the rest of your dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

With the same pan still on the stove (and all the chicken flavor still in there), toss in the diced onion. Cook until it softens and smells incredible, around 3 minutes. Now, add the minced garlic. Give it a quick stir for 1 to 2 minutes—just long enough to become fragrant, but not to burn.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Pour the uncooked rice right into the pan. Stir it around with the onions and garlic until it’s just starting to turn golden and toasty. This little extra step makes the finished Creamy Chicken and Rice taste even better!

Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer

Now, the magic happens! Pour in the chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir everything together, making sure all those tasty bits are loosened from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, drop the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes—this is when the rice starts soaking up all those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Veggies

Slip your almost-cooked chicken back into the pan, along with the thawed peas and carrots. Cover again and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. The chicken gets extra juicy, and the veggies become bright and tender.

Step 6: Stir in the Cheese

Take the skillet off the heat and generously sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Give it all a good stir—watch as the cheese melts, turning everything irresistibly creamy and rich. If you like, sprinkle a bit of chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

Add a flourish to your Creamy Chicken and Rice by scattering freshly chopped parsley or even a little extra shredded cheddar on top. A twist of freshly ground black pepper and a light drizzle of olive oil can make the dish look and taste restaurant-worthy in seconds.

Side Dishes

This is a complete meal in one pan, but if you want to round it out, a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or simple roasted veggies are all fantastic partners. Anything with a bit of crunch or tang is a fun contrast to the luscious, creamy texture of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon your Creamy Chicken and Rice into individual ramekins, top with a sprinkle of cheese, and pop under the broiler for a few minutes until bubbly and golden. Or, serve it family-style right from the pan, letting everyone dig in for a true comfort food experience. Leftovers also make a terrific filling for stuffed peppers or baked into a casserole!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Creamy Chicken and Rice keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making those next-day bites extra delicious. Just be sure to let it cool before storing to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish! Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding the cheese, then stir it in when reheating for maximum creaminess.

Reheating

To revive leftover Creamy Chicken and Rice, simply reheat gently on the stove with an extra splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. The microwave works well too, but be sure to stir halfway through to keep the heat even and the sauce creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! If you want to use brown rice or wild rice, just keep in mind that you’ll need to increase the cook time and possibly add a bit more liquid. Taste as you go to ensure your rice reaches the perfect tenderness.

Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a super convenient shortcut! Just skip the searing step and stir the shredded cooked chicken in when you add the peas and carrots. It blends seamlessly into the creamy sauce.

How do I make this dish even creamier?

If you love ultra-creamy dishes, try adding an extra splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end. More shredded cheddar or even a mix of cheeses works, too!

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, fresh spinach, or even a handful of broccoli florets all taste fantastic and make the meal even heartier and more colorful.

What’s the best way to keep it from sticking to the pan?

The key is to keep the heat low and stir occasionally, scraping the bottom of the pan. Using a nonstick or stainless steel pan with a bit of olive oil helps, and don’t forget to keep it covered for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

Once you serve up a big skillet of Creamy Chicken and Rice, you’ll see exactly why it’s such a beloved comfort classic. Whether for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner, it never fails to bring smiles to the table. Grab your ingredients, stir up a batch, and enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite!

Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pan meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a creamy sauce come together to create a delicious and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Seasonings:

1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Rice Mixture:

1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked), 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)

Finishing Touches:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: Brown chicken pieces in olive oil until mostly cooked through. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Cook onion until soft, add garlic and rice, toast lightly.
Add Liquid: Pour in broth, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
Finish Dish: Stir in chicken, peas, and carrots. Cook covered until rice is tender. Stir in cheddar cheese and parsley before serving.