This Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner is a warm hug on a plate! With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich creamy sauce, it’s a comfort food favorite.
Who doesn’t love a dish that’s so easy to make? I just pop everything in one pot and let it simmer. Perfect for busy nights when I crave something cozy without a lot of fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts guarantee a tender result. If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken can be a great time-saver, and it adds nice flavor too.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes this dish rich and creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well, and for a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream or almond milk can be used but will change the flavor slightly.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe since it cooks evenly. However, brown rice can be used for added nutrition, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and potentially add more liquid.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds great flavor. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that still provides a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Sear Chicken Perfectly?
Searing chicken is key to locking in flavors and getting a nice color. Follow these simple steps:
- Make sure the chicken is at room temperature for even cooking.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high and use enough oil to coat the bottom.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps achieve that golden crust.
- Let it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes before flipping to avoid sticking.
- Once both sides are golden, remove the chicken and set it aside while the rice cooks.
Perfectly seared chicken adds a lovely depth to the entire dish! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
First, start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides to ensure they are flavorful.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear until they are golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it!
4. Add Rice and Liquids:
Stir in the rinsed rice, making sure it’s well coated with the onion and garlic mixture. Then, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, and parsley. Stir everything to combine.
5. Cook the Chicken and Rice:
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Add Peas and Cheese:
If you’re using peas, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 3-5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your warm and creamy chicken and rice dinner!
FAQ – Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner
Can I Use Alternative Types of Rice?
Yes! While long-grain white rice is recommended for this recipe, you can use brown rice for a healthier option. Just remember that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and may need more liquid to get fully cooked.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply ensure that your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can easily adapt the recipe without any issues!
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding the rice to the pan for even cooking.
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to warm it gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
