Creamy Chicken Rice: A Simple Comfort Food Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Chicken Rice is a comforting and satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken cubes are cooked with aromatic onions, garlic, and a luscious creamy sauce, all served over fluffy rice. This simple recipe brings warmth and flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the cubed chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper in a medium bowl.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: If using, add white wine and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Step 6: Stir in rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to coat the grains.
7. Step 7: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is almost cooked and liquid absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
8. Step 8: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, remaining salt (1/4 tsp), and remaining pepper (1/8 tsp). Mix well to combine.
9. Step 9: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat in the creamy sauce and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
10. Step 10: Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley.
11. Step 11: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts; they stay juicier.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Add frozen peas or spinach in step 9 for a pop of color and nutrition.
• If you don’t have white wine, use extra chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
• Use fresh thyme if available for a brighter herb flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice has a longer cooking time and different liquid ratio, so it’s best to cook it separately and combine it with the creamy chicken mixture at the end.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.

Creamy Chicken Rice: A Simple Comfort Food Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 115 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Chicken Rice recipe is a comforting and delicious one-pan meal combining tender chicken, savory Parmesan, and creamy sauce with perfectly cooked long-grain rice. Ideal for a quick dinner, it layers flavors with garlic, onion, thyme, and fresh parsley.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 tsp salt (for seasoning chicken)
• 1/8 tsp black pepper (for seasoning chicken)

Sauté and Rice Mixture

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt (divided)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (divided)

Creamy Sauce and Garnish

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Season Chicken: In a medium bowl, season the cubed chicken breasts with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is nicely browned and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes, which builds a flavorful base.
4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until its aroma is released, being careful not to burn it.
5. Deglaze with Wine (Optional): If using, pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and lift any browned bits from the skillet for added depth.
6. Cook Rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the skillet and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to toast the rice lightly and coat it in the flavorful mixture.
7. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the rice is nearly cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure even cooking.
8. Make it Creamy: Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients into a creamy sauce.
9. Combine Chicken and Rice: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat it in the creamy sauce. Heat through for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
10. Finish with Parsley: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.
11. Serve: Plate the creamy chicken rice immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Do not lift the lid while the rice is simmering to ensure proper cooking.
• White wine is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor—feel free to omit if preferred.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best taste and texture.
• This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: creamy chicken rice, one-pan chicken recipe, comfort food, Parmesan chicken rice, easy dinner recipe