This creamy chicken and rice dish is a cozy meal that’s super easy to make! With tender chicken and fluffy rice cooked in a rich sauce, it’s truly a comfort food classic.
Plus, it all comes together in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. I love making it on busy nights. Just stir, simmer, and serve! Your family will be asking for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here for tenderness. If you want to switch it up, try thighs for more flavor or even leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is great for this dish because it cooks evenly. You can substitute with jasmine or basmati rice if you like a bit of fragrance in your meal, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice cheesy flavor. If you need a dairy-free alternative, nutritional yeast is a great substitute, adding a cheesy taste without cheese!
Seasonings: Thyme or Italian seasoning gives flavor, but feel free to swap in your favorite herbs like oregano or basil to suit your taste.
How Do I Get the Chicken Golden Brown?
Getting that nice golden color on the chicken is key to elevating the dish’s flavor. Here’s how:
- First, ensure your pan is hot before you add the olive oil and chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this can trap steam and prevent browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Allow the chicken to cook without moving it too much. This helps form that lovely crust.
- Cook until golden about 5-7 minutes before moving it to a plate. Remember, you’ll finish cooking it later!
These little tips can help make your chicken perfectly golden and packed with flavor!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe for Easy Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful creamy chicken and rice dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to cook, for a total time of about 40 minutes. Just a little patience as it simmers, and then you’ll have a hearty dinner ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s nice and fragrant.
3. Toast the Rice:
Now, stir in the rinsed rice and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. This slight toasting adds a lovely flavor to the dish!
4. Combine the Liquid Ingredients:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Sprinkle in the dried thyme or Italian seasoning, and stir everything well to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer Together:
Reduce the heat to low and add the browned chicken back into the pan. Cover it and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Add the Peas:
If you’re using frozen peas, this is the time to stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will warm them up nicely!
7. Finish with Cheese:
Once everything is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and makes the dish creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Garnish your creamy chicken and rice with some fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting meal!
That’s it! You’ve made a creamy, delicious chicken and rice dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. If you decide to use brown rice, increase the cooking time to about 35-40 minutes, and you may need to add a bit more chicken broth to ensure it cooks properly.
Can This Recipe Be Made in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! To make this in a slow cooker, sear the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for about 2-3 hours, stirring in the cheese just before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the dish and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so they cook through. Add heartier vegetables earlier in the cooking process, and delicate ones like spinach toward the end.
