Imagine sitting down to a steaming, cozy bowl of comfort with tender chicken, creamy rice, and gooey cheddar in every bite — that’s exactly what this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe delivers. As someone obsessed with quick, heartwarming meals that cater to busy weeknights and lazy Sundays alike, I can’t help but rave about how easily this classic dish comes together in one pot. The rich and velvety sauce soaks into fluffy rice, while pops of peas and a shower of parsley make it as lovely to look at as it is to eat. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of homey goodness and elegant flavor — you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, relying on everyday staples that transform into something magical. Each ingredient plays a starring role, adding a pop of color, a boost of flavor, or that irresistible creamy texture we all crave in comfort food.
- Olive oil: A touch of oil gets everything off to a golden, flavorful start when browning the chicken.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces stay tender and juicy, making each forkful satisfying.
- Yellow onion: Diced onion adds fragrant sweetness and depth to the base of the dish.
- Garlic: Finely minced garlic infuses the whole pot with that mouthwatering aroma.
- Long-grain white rice: This classic rice cooks up fluffy and perfectly handles all that creamy goodness.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The broth lifts every ingredient, bringing a subtle savory backdrop to the flavors.
- Whole milk: It helps achieve the silkiness in the sauce without being too heavy.
- Heavy cream: The secret weapon for maximum creaminess and luxurious texture.
- Salt: Seasoning is key — don’t skip on this humble but crucial ingredient.
- Black pepper: A pinch wakes everything up with a little bit of mild bite.
- Dried thyme: This herb adds an earthy warmth that pairs beautifully with creamy sauces.
- Frozen peas: They bring brightness, sweetness, and a pop of color to the finished dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For meltiness and that mouthwatering, slightly-tangy finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): This refreshing touch makes your Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe look as good as it tastes!
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a roomy skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces into the hot oil, spreading them out so they brown rather than steam. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until they’re golden and just cooked through, then transfer the chicken to a plate to keep all that juiciness locked in for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan (no need to wash it — those little browned bits add big flavor), toss in the diced onion. Let it soften and turn translucent for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic next, and cook for another quick 30 seconds, just until fragrant. The smell at this stage is incredible — this is when everyone officially wanders into the kitchen, wondering what’s for dinner.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Stir the uncooked long-grain rice right into the pan with the onions and garlic. Give everything a good toss for about 1 minute — the rice will start to glisten, and this extra step helps keep the grains separate while infusing them with flavor from the aromatics.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir everything together and bring the mixture up to a gentle boil — you’ll see little bubbles start to pop around the edges. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer away gently for 18–20 minutes. Patience pays off here — the rice will get beautifully tender as it absorbs all that creamy, savory liquid.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken, Peas, and Cheese
Once the rice is cooked and most of the liquid has disappeared, it’s time for the finish line. Stir in the reserved cooked chicken pieces, frozen peas, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep cooking (uncovered) for another 2–3 minutes, just until the peas are hot and the cheese melts into extra creaminess throughout. If you’re aiming for a pop of freshness, sprinkle on that chopped parsley right before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnish elevates this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe from comforting to restaurant-worthy. I love a shower of fresh parsley to provide color and a hint of brightness, but you could also scatter thinly sliced green onions, an extra pinch of cracked black pepper, or even a swirl of cream for added flair.
Side Dishes
This one-pot wonder nearly stands alone, but if you want to round out the meal, think simply: a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creaminess beautifully. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are also welcome for scooping up every last bit of sauce. For veggie lovers, roasted broccoli or asparagus pair perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For cozy family-style serving, bring the whole skillet right to the table — it always looks inviting! Or, for a fun twist, spoon the Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe into individual ramekins, top with a little extra cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden. Another way to impress: mound it into bell pepper halves, bake, and let your guests enjoy their creamy comfort food in edible bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe stores like a dream! Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3–4 days. The flavors truly meld overnight, making leftovers especially delicious.
Freezing
If you’re making an extra batch or meal prepping, freezing is a snap. Scoop portions into freezer-friendly containers. Make sure they’ve cooled, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of broth or milk if it’s thickened up in the fridge. Microwave reheating works too — just heat on medium power, stirring between bursts. Either way, it comes back creamy and just as satisfying as when it was fresh.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Brown rice brings a bit more chew and nuttiness to the dish. Just remember to add about 15–20 minutes to your cooking time, and you may need a splash more liquid as it cooks.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe?
Yes, you can swap the milk and heavy cream for unsweetened coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk, and use a dairy-free shredded cheese to maintain that creamy vibe without the dairy.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Shortcut lovers, rejoice! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred or chop and add it when you would return the cooked chicken to the pan, skipping the browning step entirely. You’ll still get fantastic flavor with even less effort.
What vegetables can I add to switch things up?
Feel free to get creative: sautéed mushrooms, diced carrots, spinach, or bell peppers all mix in beautifully. Add heartier veggies with the rice, delicate greens or peas at the end so they stay vibrant.
Does the Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe work in a slow cooker?
It sure does! Sauté chicken, onion, and garlic first, then combine everything except peas and cheese in your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 3 hours, stir in peas and cheese just before serving, and enjoy all the same creamy comfort with even less hands-on time.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is so much more than just an easy weeknight classic — it’s a bowl of edible comfort with flavors that feel like a warm hug. If you’re looking to win over your dinner table (or just treat yourself!), you absolutely have to give this one a try. I can’t wait for you to experience just how satisfying and simple homemade comfort food can be!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and satisfying meal with this Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe. Tender chicken, aromatic herbs, creamy sauces, and fluffy rice come together in a delightful one-pot dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken until browned.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onions, garlic until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Add rice, broth, milk, and cream, season with salt, pepper, thyme.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer until rice is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in chicken, peas, cheese until heated through. Garnish and serve.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
- Experiment with additional ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or paprika.
- If using brown rice, adjust cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
