Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you’re craving pure comfort in a bowl, Creamy Chicken And Rice is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish is a glorious medley of tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a luscious, cheesy cream sauce — with each bite tasting like a warm hug, and the best part? It all comes together in one skillet with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about Creamy Chicken And Rice is how it transforms humble pantry staples into a show-stopping dinner. Each ingredient is chosen for flavor, texture, and to ensure every bite is loaded with comfort and color.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, quick-cooking, and they soak up all the savory seasonings — just make sure to cut them into bite-size cubes for even cooking.
• Sweet Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: This easy spice trio gives the chicken deep flavor before it even hits the pan.
• Butter: Use unsalted here for control — it’s what gives the base its buttery richness and helps soften the onions perfectly.
• Onion & Garlic: The aromatic backbone, sautéed together to infuse the dish with savory sweetness and depth.
• Italian Seasoning: A shortcut for adding a blend of herbs — think oregano, basil, and thyme — that brightens every bite.
• Long Grain Rice (like Jasmine): Holds its shape well, cooks up fluffy, and absorbs every drop of flavor as it simmers.
• Chicken Broth (low sodium): The foundation for cooking the rice and chicken together; go low sodium so you can season as you like.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing everything into harmony — but hold the extra salt until the end since Parmesan and broth add plenty.
• Heavy Cream: This is where the “creamy” magic happens! It makes the sauce luxuriously silky and rich.
• Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty punch — freshly grated makes all the difference.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish, this adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness right before serving.

Variations

One of the most magical things about Creamy Chicken And Rice is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you’re working around allergies or dreaming up creative twists, the options are endless — here are just a few ways to get started!

• Make it veggie-packed: Stir in peas, baby spinach, or chopped bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of simmering for extra color and nutrients.
• Switch up the protein: Try swapping in boneless, skinless thighs, sliced sausage, or even cooked shrimp (stirred in at the end) for a new twist.
• Go gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you check the packaging on your broth and seasonings to avoid hidden wheat.
• Lighter dairy option: For a lighter dinner, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream — the result is a touch less rich but still deliciously creamy.

How to Make Creamy Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, toss your cubed chicken breast with sweet paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Coating your chicken before sautéing locks in that golden hue and ensures every bite is flavorful from the inside out. A quick toss is all it takes — you’ll already smell the deliciousness to come!

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook just until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sizzle for another 30 seconds — this is where the kitchen starts to smell downright irresistible.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Increase the heat slightly and add your seasoned chicken to the pan. Stir and cook until the pieces are no longer pink, around 5 minutes. Don’t worry if they aren’t completely cooked through — they’ll finish as they simmer with the rice.

Step 4: Add Rice and Broth

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, pour in the long grain rice, and add the low-sodium chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper (lightly!), give everything a good stir, then bring to a boil. Once bubbling, cover the skillet, reduce heat to a simmer, and leave it undisturbed for 15 minutes. No peeking — keeping that lid on is crucial for fluffy rice!

Step 5: Make it Creamy

After 15 minutes, your rice should be tender and most of the broth absorbed. Stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, letting everything cook for just a couple more minutes until silky and thickened. Taste, then adjust salt and pepper as needed — every bite should be perfectly seasoned and irresistibly creamy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Off the heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness. Serve hot and enjoy right away — Creamy Chicken And Rice is at its best when it’s fresh, melt-in-your-mouth, and fragrant!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken And Rice

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate what a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan can do for your Creamy Chicken And Rice! Both add gorgeous color and that irresistible burst of freshness or salty richness. For a little zing, you can also add a quick squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is satisfyingly rich, so pair it with light, bright sides — think a crisp green salad, lemony roasted asparagus, or simple steamed green beans. If you love a bread moment, serve with a warm baguette or homemade garlic bread to swipe up every last bit of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special presentation, serve Creamy Chicken And Rice in individual bowls with a swirl of cream and lots of fresh herbs on top. Hosting? Spoon it into a large platter, garnish generously, and let guests help themselves. You can even scoop it into roasted bell pepper halves for a fun, veggie-forward twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store your Creamy Chicken And Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 5 days and is just as comforting reheated for lunch or a quick dinner.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that the creamy sauce may change texture a bit upon thawing. For best results, cool completely, then spoon into freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat Creamy Chicken And Rice gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir often for the creamiest results. For single servings, a quick microwave warm-up works great — just cover to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, ultra-comforting dinner that’ll have your family begging for seconds, Creamy Chicken And Rice is it. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to tuck into your regular rotation — so grab a skillet and treat yourself to a cozy night in!

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