This creamy chicken and rice dinner is pure comfort food! With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich sauce, it’s both filling and oh-so-delicious!
You just toss everything in one pot and let it cook. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love serving it with some veggies on the side for a well-rounded meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor or even leftover cooked chicken. Just add it at the end to warm it through!
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the dish its richness, but you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version. If you’re watching your calories, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
Rice: I like long-grain white rice for its texture, but you can use brown rice. Just note that you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid for brown rice.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a delicious creaminess. If you don’t have it, try mozzarella or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese! Each will change the flavor a bit, but still tastes great!
Vegetables: Frozen peas and mixed veggies add nutrition. Fresh veggies like broccoli or spinach work well too. Just steam or sauté them lightly before adding.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Just Right?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken is essential! First, brown the chicken on both sides — this builds flavor. After that:
- Cook it covered to keep moisture in.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should read 165°F (75°C).
- If you use leftover chicken, just heat it through at the end!
Letting it rest before serving keeps it juicy. Enjoy your meal!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken and rice dinner will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. So, in about 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. This adds flavor right from the start!
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned but not fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. This will enhance the flavor of your dish!
4. Add the Rice:
Stir in the uncooked rice with the onion and garlic, coating it well with the mixture. This step helps the rice absorb all the lovely flavors.
5. Incorporate Broth and Cream:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream (or half-and-half). Add the dried thyme or Italian seasoning at this point too. Stir everything together until well-mixed.
6. Nestle the Chicken:
Return the browned chicken breasts to the pan, placing them right into the rice mixture. Make sure they are somewhat submerged for even cooking.
7. Simmer Away:
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Then, cover your pan with a tight lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting a piece of chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.
8. Add Vegetables and Cheese:
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, if you’re using frozen peas or mixed vegetables, stir them in gently. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover the pan again, and let the heat melt the cheese beautifully.
9. Final Touches:
Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. This helps everything settle and keeps it moist.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your creamy chicken and rice dinner with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy this cozy meal!
This dish is creamy, comforting, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Feel free to serve it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. Enjoy! 🍽️
FAQ for Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires more cooking time and more liquid. Increase the broth to about 3 cups and cook for 35-40 minutes until tender.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add fresh vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Just sauté them briefly before adding to the dish, or add them during the last five minutes of cooking.
