Creamy Chicken and Rice – Comfort Food Made Easy

If you’re craving something cozy, rich, and satisfying, Creamy Chicken and Rice is the answer. This one-pan dish brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luxuriously creamy sauce—all in under an hour. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy Sunday meals and delivers all the comforting flavors of home-cooked food with minimal effort.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

• 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)

• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for richer flavor)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup frozen peas or chopped spinach

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Medium mixing bowl (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the chicken is browned but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter, followed by chopped onions. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the butter and aromatics. Let it toast for about 1–2 minutes, which adds depth of flavor to the final dish.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Add the partially cooked chicken back into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook

Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid and stir in optional ingredients like peas, spinach, or Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer uncovered for 2–3 more minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving. Serve hot for the ultimate cozy dinner experience.

Helpful Tips for Making or Serving Creamy Chicken and Rice

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier result. Chicken breasts work too, but thighs hold moisture better during simmering.

• Don’t skip toasting the rice—this small step enhances the flavor dramatically.

• Adjust the creaminess by adding more cream or a splash of broth if the dish thickens too much after cooking.

• Make it cheesy by stirring in shredded cheddar or mozzarella along with Parmesan.

• Add a veggie twist by tossing in mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition.

• Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

This estimate is based on a 4-serving portion of the base recipe without optional ingredients.

• Calories: 460 kcal

• Protein: 30 g

• Carbohydrates: 35 g

• Fat: 22 g

• Saturated Fat: 10 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Sodium: 520 mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on exact ingredients and brands used.

Conclusion

There’s something timeless and universally satisfying about a dish like Creamy Chicken and Rice. It brings together everything we love—comfort, flavor, and simplicity—in one warm, delicious bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a go-to favorite you’ll come back to again and again.

So grab your skillet, gather those ingredients, and treat yourself to a dish that feels like a hug in food form. Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe and share it with friends who need a comforting dinner idea tonight.