Is there anything more comforting than a creamy chicken and rice dish? Combining tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a rich sauce, this meal is a timeless classic that can be whipped up on any day of the week. The best part? It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Equipments
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by setting up your workspace. Gather all your ingredients and ensure your chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic, as these will add layers of flavor to your dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant. This step forms the base of a flavor-packed dish.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook them thoroughly, stirring occasionally until they’re golden brown on the outside—about 5–7 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Rice
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the uncooked rice. Let everything come to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavorful broth.
Step 5: Mix in the Cream
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and peas. Allow the dish to cook for another 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a touch of color and a burst of freshness.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad. Serve it hot and watch it disappear in no time!
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
- For extra creaminess, consider adding a tablespoon of butter at the end.
- Mix up the vegetables by adding carrots or broccoli for added nutrients.
- If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before serving.
Pumped Up Protein: The High-Protein Variation
Bump up the protein content by adding a cup of cooked quinoa along with the rice. You can also substitute chicken breast with chicken thigh for an even richer flavor profile.
To supercharge your meal, consider adding chickpeas or black beans. They’re not only packed with protein but also add a lovely texture variation.
Lowering the Carbs: A Delicious Low-Carb Twist
If you’re following a low-carb diet, consider replacing the rice with cauliflower rice. This substitution maintains the dish’s comforting nature while keeping your carb count in check.
Pair it with zucchini noodles for a creative spin. You’ll hardly notice the difference but your body will thank you!
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture. For longer storage, freeze for up to a month.
FAQs
- Can I use brown rice instead of white? Yes, however, note that brown rice requires a longer cooking time.
- Is it possible to use coconut milk instead of cream? Absolutely, coconut milk offers a dairy-free alternative that pairs splendidly with chicken.
- What types of vegetables can be added? Experiment with broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers to add variety.
- Can this be made in a slow cooker? Certainly! Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and set it on low for 4 hours.
Delve Into the Creamy World of Chicken and Rice
This creamy chicken and rice dish is versatile, delicious, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re altering it to fit a high-protein or low-carb lifestyle, its comforting essence remains. If you enjoyed this recipe, share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to bookmark or Pin it for future meal planning! 🍽️
Creamy Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breast
- chicken broth
- uncooked rice
- heavy cream
- peas
- onion
- garlic
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
- fresh parsley
Instructions
Steps
- Gather all your ingredients and ensure your chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally until golden brown for about 5–7 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the uncooked rice. Let everything come to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and peas, allowing the dish to cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.