If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious, cheesy cream sauce that comes together quickly and easily. Whether you’re cooking weeknight dinner or feeding friends, this recipe brings comforting flavors and satisfying textures that are sure to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients form the foundation of this dish, each playing an important role in creating its delicious flavor and creamy texture. From the tender chicken to the fragrant seasonings, every component adds a layer of taste and color that makes this recipe truly special.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Adds a gentle smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a mellow garlic flavor that blends seamlessly into the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savoriness with a subtle onion undertone.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich base to sauté the onions and garlic.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fresh and fragrant aroma that awakens the senses.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with herbaceous warmth and complexity.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as Jasmine), rinsed: Ensures fluffy, separate grains that soak up the cooking liquids perfectly.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist with savory flavor without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to making this dish irresistibly rich and velvety smooth.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds cheesy sharpness and helps thicken the creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Offers a fresh, peppery brightness and a pop of green color.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by tossing the chicken pieces with sweet paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple spice mix layers in flavor and gives the chicken an appealing color. Set the seasoned chicken aside while you prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently until it softens and becomes translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until it releases its fragrant aroma—this will form the flavorful foundation of the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook them until they’re no longer pink, allowing the edges to brown slightly for extra flavor. This step seals in the juices and ensures your chicken stays tender and moist.
Step 4: Combine Rice and Broth
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, then stir in the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Resist stirring during this time so the rice can cook evenly and absorb all that delicious liquid.
Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan
Once the rice is tender, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for a few minutes until the rice soaks up most of the cream, resulting in that signature creamy texture. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley on top for a vibrant splash of color and a hint of freshness. Serve your Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe warm and watch it disappear at the table!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes elevates the visual appeal and flavor of any dish. For this recipe, fresh parsley is a must—it brings a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness brilliantly. You could also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little zing.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green vegetables like steamed broccoli or a simple mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach also provide a nice contrast in texture and complement the creamy base perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the creamy chicken and rice nestled inside hollowed-out bell peppers or atop a bed of roasted vegetables for an elegant presentation. You can even portion it into individual ramekins and bake briefly with extra cheese on top for a golden crust that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy chicken and rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the sauce nice and creamy, stir in a splash of broth or cream before reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently over low heat, adding a little liquid if needed to restore creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove over low to medium heat to avoid scorching. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the silky texture. Microwave reheating works as well in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! While long-grain white rice like Jasmine works well, you can try basmati or even brown rice. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratios, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to keep it creamy and flavorful without dairy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and cook until fully done as per the recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the seasoning mix or sprinkle some on top as a garnish to give your Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe a nice little kick.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
While it’s designed for stovetop cooking, you can adapt it for a slow cooker by layering the ingredients and cooking on low for 3-4 hours, stirring in the cream and cheese near the end to preserve the creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe. It’s one of those timeless comfort dishes that satisfies both the soul and the taste buds with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself, this hearty, creamy meal is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Grab your skillet and get cooking—it’s pure magic in a bowl!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken and rice recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked with aromatic spices, sautéed onions and garlic, and simmered with rice in a flavorful chicken broth. Finished with rich heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, it creates a comforting, delicious one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Base and Rice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as Jasmine), rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with sweet paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, around 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to brown slightly on the edges, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in Italian seasoning, rinsed rice, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer gently for 15 minutes without stirring, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid.
- Add Cream and Cheese: After 15 minutes, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice absorbs most of the cream and the sauce becomes creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately for a comforting and creamy chicken and rice dish.
Notes
- To ensure the rice cooks evenly, avoid lifting the lid or stirring during the simmering step.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and meltability.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the texture will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to rinse the rice to remove excess starch to prevent the dish from becoming gummy.
