Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are common here, but chicken thighs add more flavor and are juicier. If you’re vegetarian, try using chickpeas or mushrooms as a replacement for a similar texture.

Rice: Long-grain white rice gives a nice texture. If you’re out, jasmine or basmati rice works too. For a healthier option, try brown rice, but remember it will need more liquid and cooking time.

Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is great for richness, but if you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work too. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk is a tasty alternative.

Seasoning: Dried thyme adds a nice flavor, but you can switch it for dried rosemary or Italian seasoning based on your taste preferences.

Veggies: Adding peas or spinach boosts nutrition and color, but feel free to toss in other veggies you like, like bell peppers or carrots!

How Do You Make the Rice Creamy and Perfectly Cooked?

The key to creamy rice is cooking it just right. Here’s how to get it spot on:

• First, toast the rice in oil to enhance flavor. Stir it for 1-2 minutes before adding liquid.
• When pouring in chicken broth, make sure it’s hot! This helps the rice cook evenly.
• Cover tightly; this traps steam, helping the rice absorb liquid without drying out.
• Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Don’t peek too often, as this lets steam escape.

Give it a gentle stir before serving—you want every grain to be coated in that creamy goodness!

Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or chopped spinach for added veggies
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Time Needed:

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, so you can be enjoying this creamy chicken and rice in about 35 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until they’re browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until it’s softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it smells delicious.

3. Toast the Rice:

Add the rice to the skillet and stir everything together. You want to coat the rice with oil; toast it lightly for about 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.

4. Add the Broth:

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.

5. Make It Creamy:

Carefully stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme (or Italian seasoning), and the cooked chicken pieces. If you’re adding peas or spinach, now’s the time to stir those in as well.

6. Final Touches:

Continue to cook everything on low heat for another 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is creamy and heated through. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you’d like.

7. Serve & Enjoy:

Garnish your dish with fresh parsley for a beautiful finish. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, comforting chicken and rice!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time—about 25-30 minutes. You’ll need to adjust the chicken broth to about 3 cups to accommodate the extra absorption. Make sure to keep the lid on to trap steam.

What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?

No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk for a lighter option. Just be cautious; thinner liquids might result in a less creamy texture, so you may need to cook it a little longer to thicken.

How Can I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creaminess!

Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like—such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the veggies you choose to ensure they’re cooked through.