If you’re craving a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a luscious, cheesy cream sauce that comes together with effortless simplicity. The hints of thyme and parsley add an herbaceous note while the peas bring a lovely pop of color and sweetness. This dish is not only satisfying but also ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and wholesome without too much fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is simple but essential. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering its rich flavor, creamy texture, and inviting appearance. From the juicy chicken breast to the aromatic herbs and vibrant peas, everything combines beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity base for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced: Provides lean protein and a tender bite to the dish.
- 1 small onion, diced: Offers sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch to lure your senses.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The foundation that absorbs all the creamy goodness.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Infuses savory flavor and cooks the rice perfectly.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety texture that defines the dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty note and thickens the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Lends an earthy, slightly minty aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Brightens and freshens up the creamy base.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas: Pops of sweet green color and texture.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For sautéing peas with a rich finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken breast and cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is no longer pink inside and has a lovely golden sear on the outside. This step locks in flavor and keeps your chicken juicy.
Step 2: Set the Chicken Aside
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This lets you use the same pan to build flavors without crowding the chicken, ensuring it stays tender.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Then add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds—this step releases those irresistible aromas that will fill your kitchen.
Step 4: Toast the Rice
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir it around, coating it with the onion and garlic mixture. Toast the rice for 1 to 2 minutes. This little toasting step adds a subtle nuttiness and keeps the rice from being too mushy later.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid fully absorbs, creating a perfect base for the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Prepare the Peas
While the rice cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the frozen peas and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. The butter helps the peas stay sweet and tender—a lovely little sidekick to the creamy rice.
Step 7: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Once the rice is done, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well so the cheese melts into the cream, forming that signature silky sauce that makes this recipe so delightfully rich.
Step 8: Combine Chicken and Peas
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and fold it into the creamy rice. Gently add the cooked peas last, mixing everything but keeping the peas whole and vibrant. Let the dish rest covered for 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors mingle beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese on top adds a lovely burst of color and a punch of flavor to this creamy dish. A few cracked black pepper flakes also enhance the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Roasted asparagus or a side of garlic bread also make fantastic accompaniments, offering contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual ramekins or hollowed-out bell peppers for an impressive presentation. For a family-style dinner, plate it in a large serving dish garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges to brighten every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this creamy chicken and rice dish keep really well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal to enjoy again with minimal effort.
Freezing
You can freeze this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe containers. It’s best eaten within 2 months for optimal taste and texture. When freezing, leave out the peas and add fresh ones after reheating to keep their texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore any lost moisture and maintain that luscious creaminess you love about this recipe.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth amount and cook time accordingly to ensure the rice is tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, to make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This will still give you a creamy texture without dairy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Chicken thighs work wonderfully and offer a juicier, more flavorful option. Just dice them and follow the same cooking steps, adjusting cooking time if needed to ensure they’re fully cooked.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
To kick up the heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the creamy sauce. Fresh chopped jalapeños can also be a tasty addition.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by browning the chicken and sautéing the onions and garlic first, then combining all ingredients (except peas and cream) in the slow cooker and cooking on low for 3 to 4 hours. Add peas and cream at the end and stir well.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it combines simplicity with incredible flavor and comfort. It’s a dish that feels homemade yet special enough to serve any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how satisfying a creamy, cheesy meal can be. Trust me, this one will soon be your go-to recipe too!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe offers a comforting, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and tender peas, all cooked together to create a rich and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Grains and Dairy
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, preparing the pan for cooking the chicken.
- Cook chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through.
- Set chicken aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to keep warm.
- Sauté onion: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the flavor base.
- Add rice: Stir the uncooked rice into the onions and garlic in the skillet to coat the rice in the aromatics.
- Toast rice: Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes while stirring occasionally, allowing it to lightly brown and develop flavor.
- Add broth: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine it evenly with the rice.
- Boil mixture: Bring the rice and broth mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, readying it for simmering.
- Simmer rice: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Cook peas: While the rice simmers, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, add frozen peas, and cook them for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
- Add cream to rice: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the heavy cream to create a creamy texture.
- Add seasonings: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to build the creamy and herbaceous sauce.
- Combine chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it into the rice mixture, evenly distributing protein throughout the dish.
- Add peas: Gently fold the cooked peas into the skillet, incorporating the sweet vegetable component.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the creamy chicken and rice dish and adjust salt and pepper seasonings as desired.
- Let it meld: Cover the skillet again and let the dish sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken a bit.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and rice hot, garnished optionally with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish, though it will be less rich.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content if preferred.
- For added color and nutrition, consider adding diced carrots or bell peppers with the onions.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
