This Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner brings tender chicken together with fluffy rice in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
What’s better? It’s super simple to make—just cook, stir, and let it simmer. It’s always a hit at dinner time, and I often make extra for leftovers. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here for a tender texture. Feel free to use thighs for more flavor or even leftover rotisserie chicken to save time!
Rice: Long-grain white rice is a great choice due to its fluffy texture. If you need a substitute, jasmine or basmati rice also work well. Just check the cooking times, as they may vary!
Heavy Cream: I love using heavy cream for its richness, but you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option. For a dairy-free choice, coconut milk adds a nice creaminess too.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic are key for flavor. In a pinch, you can use onion powder and garlic powder—just remember to adjust quantities as they are more concentrated!
Frozen Vegetables: Adding peas or mixed veggies not only increases the nutrition but also adds color. Feel free to swap them for fresh veggies like spinach or bell peppers!
How Do I Get the Creamy Sauce Just Right?
The secret to a great creamy sauce is to add the heavy cream after the rice is cooked and most of the liquid has absorbed. This helps it thicken perfectly and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Make sure to stir continuously after adding the cream to prevent it from scorching.
- Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes, which will help thicken the sauce to your liking—and don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning!
Taking the time to properly season your dish will make a big difference. Enjoy your delicious chicken and rice dinner! Happy cooking!
Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dinner takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy meal that you can whip up in under an hour. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Now it’s time to add the chicken pieces to the pan. Season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides but still not fully cooked through, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Rice and Broth:
Next, stir in the rinsed rice and let it toast with the chicken and onions for 1-2 minutes. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil.
4. Simmer for Rice to Cook:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This will cook the rice through and absorb most of the liquid.
5. Make it Creamy:
After the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and, if you like, the frozen peas or mixed vegetables. Allow it to cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Final Touches:
Give everything a taste, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy!
Your creamy, comforting chicken and rice dinner is now ready to be savored! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ About Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner
Can I Use a Different Type of Rice?
Absolutely! While long-grain white rice is recommended, you can substitute it with jasmine or basmati rice. Just be sure to check the cooking times, as they may differ slightly.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream or half-and-half with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Be aware that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess as needed.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or carrots. Just add them along with the chicken to allow them to cook through, or toss in quick-cooking veggies like spinach at the end.
