There is something incredibly comforting and heartwarming about a dish that brings creamy textures together with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, creating a symphony of flavors and softness in every bite. This Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is exactly that kind of meal—rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re craving a simple weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with a hearty, home-cooked classic, this recipe blends wholesome ingredients like chicken, cheese, and peas into a luscious dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe plays an essential role, balancing textures and flavors to create a dish that’s both creamy and savory. These simple kitchen staples come together to ensure every mouthful is flavorful and comforting.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich base for cooking the chicken and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and even distribution.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the dish with a mild pungency that elevates every ingredient.
- Long-grain white rice: The perfect rice choice for fluffy, separate grains that soak up the creamy sauce.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Contributes savory warmth and depth without overwhelming the palate.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and balances richness.
- Heavy cream: Brings luscious texture, silky smoothness, and decadent flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Classic seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
- Dried thyme: Offers a subtle herbal note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Frozen peas: Inject bursts of vibrant color and mild sweetness, plus a pop of freshness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the rice, creating a gooey, cheesy finish that makes this dish irresistible.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a bright, herbal garnish that lifts the creamy richness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them until they’re browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step gives your chicken a lovely caramelized exterior that enhances the dish’s flavor. Once done, set the chicken aside to keep warm while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Using the same pan (with all those delicious chicken drippings), toss in the diced yellow onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds — its aroma will fill your kitchen and signal that you’re well on your way to something wonderful.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Add the uncooked long-grain white rice into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about a minute. Toasting the rice before adding liquid unlocks a subtle nuttiness and helps it absorb flavors better during cooking.
Step 4: Combine Liquids and Seasonings
Now pour in the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Stir everything gently to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil to kickstart the cooking process for the rice and infuse the whole dish with rich, creamy flavor.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the rice simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until it’s tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. This slow simmer melds all the ingredients together and gives the rice a soft, creamy texture you’ll adore.
Step 6: Add Chicken, Peas, and Cheese
Now the magic moment: stir the cooked chicken back into the rice along with frozen peas and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook it all another 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through and the cheese has melted into a gooey, cheesy blanket, binding the dish together with perfect creaminess.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley is a simple touch that adds a pop of green and fresh herbal brightness. You could also try thinly sliced green onions or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky contrast that excites your palate.
Side Dishes
This creamy dish pairs beautifully with crisp, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans that offer some crunch and a fresh bite to balance the creamy richness. A simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette also complements the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe in individual ramekins for an elegant touch, or scoop it into warm tortilla shells to create creamy chicken and rice tacos. Another fun idea is to stuff bell peppers with this cheesy rice mixture and bake them for a colorful presentation that will wow your family or guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy chicken and rice keeps well when transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. It remains tasty and moist for up to 3 days, making it a reliable option for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely, too. Allow it to cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It will maintain good flavor and texture for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. If the mixture feels too thick or dry, stir in a splash of milk or broth to revive its creamy texture, ensuring every bite is just as delightful as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a nutritious choice but will require a longer cooking time and more liquid to soften properly. Adjust the simmering time to about 40-45 minutes and add extra broth as needed.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use all whole milk or mix part milk with a bit of cream cheese for creaminess. Keep in mind that heavy cream provides richness and silkiness that might be slightly less intense with substitutes.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker by layering the ingredients and cooking on low for about 3-4 hours. However, be sure to adjust the liquid amounts slightly and stir occasionally to prevent rice from sticking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as none of the main ingredients contain gluten. Just double-check your chicken broth and seasonings to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can all be great additions to add flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them along with the onion or add them partway through cooking, depending on the vegetable’s cooking time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting, delicious meal that comes together in one pot and satisfies every time, this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. Its rich, cheesy layers coupled with tender chicken and wholesome rice make it one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. Grab your skillet and dive into this creamy, dreamy dish—you won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting, one-pot meal featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with rice in a rich, creamy sauce made with milk, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese. Enhanced with flavorful herbs, peas, and savory aromatics, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
Liquids
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
Oils and Spices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
- Add Rice: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice and cook for about 1 minute, constantly stirring, to lightly toast the rice and combine flavors.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring the liquid mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Avoid removing the lid frequently to maintain steam.
- Combine and Finish: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cooked chicken pieces, frozen peas, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes over low heat until everything is heated through and the cheese melts into the creamy mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, comforting chicken and rice dish.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker version of this recipe.
- For added flavor, try including sautéed mushrooms or a dash of paprika when cooking the aromatics.
- If you prefer, brown rice can be used instead of white rice; however, increase the cooking time accordingly as brown rice takes longer to cook.
