This Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner is a warm hug in a bowl! With juicy chicken, tender rice, and a creamy sauce, it’s simple enough for a weeknight meal.
I love how this dinner comes together quickly. One pot does the trick, so there’s less mess to clean up! Perfect for busy days when comfort food is a must. 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish, but thighs add extra juiciness. For a shortcut, rotisserie chicken works well too, saving you time in the kitchen.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream gives a rich, creamy texture, you can use half-and-half for a lighter option. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut milk or a plant-based cream like cashew or almond cream.
Rice: Long grain white rice is my favorite for this recipe due to its fluffy texture. However, you could use brown rice; just adjust the cooking time and add more liquid as needed.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds great flavor, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella or a cheese blend. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy taste without the milk.
How do I get the chicken perfectly cooked and flavorful?
To ensure your chicken turns out moist and tasty, follow these simple steps:
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to achieve a nice golden brown.
- Make sure to season the chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking. This adds flavor from the start!
- Cook until it’s just done. The chicken will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the skillet, so don’t overdo it!
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken that enhances the creamy rice dish beautifully!
Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (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, rinsed
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, for a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized 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 on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until it’s softened, then add the minced garlic. Cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell the garlic’s aroma. This adds a fantastic flavor base to your dish!
3. Add the Rice:
Next, add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat it in the mixture of onion and garlic. This helps to give the rice a great flavor.
4. Combine with Broth and Thyme:
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried thyme (or Italian seasoning). Bring the mixture to a boil—this step is crucial for cooking the rice properly!
5. Simmer and Cook:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Check the rice occasionally—it should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed when done.
6. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream and, if you’re using it, add the shredded cheese. Mix everything well to create a creamy texture, then return the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
7. Add the Peas:
If you’re including peas, now’s the time to stir them in. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until they’re heated through, making your dish even more colorful!
8. Final Seasoning:
Taste your creamy chicken and rice, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This will elevate all the flavors perfectly.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your dish with fresh parsley or chives before serving. Enjoy your creamy, comforting chicken and rice dinner with your family!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice! Just note that it will require more cooking time and additional liquid. Increase the simmering time to about 40-45 minutes and use approximately 3 cups of chicken broth to accommodate the longer cooking time.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works great. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk or a blended cashew cream. Just keep in mind that these alternatives may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up, as it may thicken when stored.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or spinach. Just make sure to add them when you sauté the onions to ensure they soften and blend well with the other flavors.
