Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor? Look no further than Creamy Chicken and Rice. This classic dish blends tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a velvety, savory sauce into a one-pot wonder that the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or prepping for a quick weekday meal, this creamy delight never disappoints.
Why Creamy Chicken and Rice is a Must-Try
A Timeless Comfort Dish
Creamy Chicken and Rice is more than just a meal—it’s a memory. It’s the kind of dish your mom used to make when you were under the weather or when the family gathered for a no-fuss dinner. The creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked rice bring warmth to every plate.
Ideal for Busy Schedules
This recipe is perfect for meal preppers, parents, or anyone who craves homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. It can be made in one pan, requires minimal chopping, and stores well for leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to create the perfect creamy chicken and rice dish:
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2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cubed or shredded)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup milk or heavy cream
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
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1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large sauté pan or deep skillet
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Cutting board & knife
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Lid for your pan
How to Make This Comforting Chicken and Rice Dish
1: Sauté the Chicken
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Heat oil or butter in your skillet over medium heat.
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Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).
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Remove and set aside.
2: Cook the Aromatics
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In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
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Sauté the onions for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
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Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3: Add the Rice and Liquids
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Stir in the uncooked rice, then pour in the chicken broth.
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Bring to a light simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4: Stir in the Creaminess
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Once the rice is nearly tender, add the milk or heavy cream.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
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Mix in the frozen veggies and cheese (if using).
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Simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes until creamy and thickened.
5: Garnish and Serve
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Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
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Enjoy hot as a complete, filling meal.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken and Rice
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Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw.
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Add More Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrients and texture.
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Rice Matters: Stick with long-grain rice for the fluffiest texture—short grain can get too sticky.
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Make It Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened oat milk and skip the cheese.
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Batch Cooking: This dish freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Variations You’ll Love
Cheesy Chicken and Rice
Add a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella to amp up the creaminess and flavor.
Spicy Southwest Style
Throw in some diced jalapeños, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
Creamy Mushroom Twist
Substitute peas for sautéed mushrooms and use mushroom broth for earthy depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but it will take longer to cook (about 40–45 minutes). You may also need to add extra broth or water.
2. How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?
Avoid overcooking and don’t stir too frequently. Stick with long-grain rice for the best texture.
3. Can this be made in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Sauté the chicken first using the “Sauté” mode, then cook everything under “Pressure Cook” for 10 minutes with natural release.
4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store it in individual portions. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk for best results.
5. What can I serve with Creamy Chicken and Rice?
It’s a complete dish, but you can add a side of garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies for extra variety.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken and Rice is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Easy to make, incredibly versatile, and endlessly satisfying, this dish deserves a permanent place in your home cooking rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, the combination of tender chicken, flavorful rice, and luscious sauce is always a win.
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the Ultimate Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to create the perfect creamy chicken and rice dish:
-
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
-
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cubed or shredded)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup milk or heavy cream
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
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1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
-
½ teaspoon paprika
-
Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
-
Large sauté pan or deep skillet
-
Cutting board & knife
-
Wooden spoon or spatula
-
Measuring cups and spoons
-
Lid for your pan
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice – Step by Step
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
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Heat oil or butter in your skillet over medium heat.
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Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).
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Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
-
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
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Sauté the onions for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
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Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Liquids
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Stir in the uncooked rice, then pour in the chicken broth.
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Bring to a light simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Stir in the Creaminess
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Once the rice is nearly tender, add the milk or heavy cream.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
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Mix in the frozen veggies and cheese (if using).
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Simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes until creamy and thickened.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
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Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
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Enjoy hot as a complete, filling meal.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken and Rice
-
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw.
-
Add More Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrients and texture.
-
Rice Matters: Stick with long-grain rice for the fluffiest texture—short grain can get too sticky.
-
Make It Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened oat milk and skip the cheese.
-
Batch Cooking: This dish freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Notes
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Type of Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for a non-mushy texture. Avoid instant rice unless adjusting liquid and cook time accordingly.
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Chicken Options: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. You can also use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken for faster prep.
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Dairy Options: For a richer sauce, use heavy cream. For a lighter dish, use milk or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt.
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Vegetables: Frozen peas and carrots are convenient, but you can substitute with broccoli, corn, spinach, or mushrooms.
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Consistency Control: If your mixture becomes too thick, stir in a splash of broth or milk to loosen it before serving.
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Make Ahead: This recipe stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a bit of extra liquid.
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Gluten-Free Tip: The recipe is naturally gluten-free if using gluten-free broth and no thickening agents like flour.
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Flavor Boosters: Add a dash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese at the end for an extra layer of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Trans Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28 g
