If you’re craving comfort food at its absolute best, this Creamy Chicken And Rice recipe delivers with every bite. Tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and velvety, cheesy rice come together in one skillet for a cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug—easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to share!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy Texture: Every forkful of Creamy Chicken And Rice is loaded with luscious sauce and tender grains—no dry rice here!
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, keeping cleanup minimal and flavor maximized.
- Customizable Comfort: Easy to adapt with different veggies, cheeses, or proteins so you can make it your own family favorite.
- Foolproof and Family-Friendly: This cozy, crowd-pleasing dish is simple and satisfying for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Creamy Chicken And Rice happens with everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each plays a starring role—adding rich flavor, irresistible texture, or that signature creamy finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these become juicy and tender as they soak up all the savory flavors in the pan.
- Sweet paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder: Give the chicken a beautiful color and a boost of warmth and depth before it even hits the skillet.
- Butter (unsalted): For richness and classic flavor—plus it makes sautéing the veggies and chicken a delight.
- Onion (large, chopped): The foundational layer of savoriness. They melt sweetly as they cook.
- Fresh garlic (minced): Adds an unmistakable fragrant and punchy bite right from the start.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the whole dish with an herby, homey aroma.
- Rice (long grain, such as Jasmine): Fluffy, reliable, and soaks up every drop of that rich sauce.
- Chicken broth (low sodium): The rice soaks up all this flavor—making every bite memorable without being too salty.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste—the finishing touch to tie everything together.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that signature luscious, creamy texture everyone loves.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts right in for cheesy, nutty, umami deliciousness and a slightly salty finish.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshness for garnish that brings color and a pop of flavor to your finished dish.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Creamy Chicken And Rice is just how easy it is to tailor to every taste or pantry situation. Feel free to play chef—try these ideas or invent your own irresistible spin!
- Add Veggies: Toss in peas, carrots, finely chopped spinach, or bell pepper with the rice for color, crunch, and extra nutrients.
- Swap the Cheese: Stir in sharp cheddar, fontina, or Gruyere for a whole new cheesy vibe.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and skip the Parmesan (or try a dairy-free cheese)—the dish will still be super creamy and rich.
- Try Different Proteins: Turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even shrimp work beautifully in place of chicken breasts.
How to Make Creamy Chicken And Rice
Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into small, bite-sized cubes for even cooking. Give them a generous coating of sweet paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder—this not only seasons the meat but helps develop a golden, flavorful crust once they hit the pan. Set the seasoned chicken aside while you gather the rest of your ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat until it’s foamy and fragrant. Add the chopped onion and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes—just until the pieces turn soft and start to go translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, and let it cook for another 30 seconds so your kitchen smells absolutely amazing.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet, spreading them out so each piece gets direct contact with the hot pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and beginning to form a gentle golden color on the edges.
Step 4: Add Rice, Broth & Simmer
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture, then add the rice and pour in your chicken broth. Stir once, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and bring everything to a bubbling boil. Immediately lower the heat to a gentle simmer, place a tight-fitting lid on your skillet, and let it cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. No peeking or stirring—the rice needs to steam!
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, gently stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it cook for a couple more minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture is luxuriously creamy and the cheese has fully melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if you like.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the top generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness. Serve the Creamy Chicken And Rice right away—preferably with a big spoon and an even bigger appetite!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken And Rice
- Rice Prep Matters: Rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch—this ensures each grain stays fluffy, not gummy.
- No Peeking During Simmer: Resist the urge to lift the lid or stir while the rice cooks; trapping the steam is key to perfectly tender rice.
- Cheese Selection: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and gives a deeper flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Cream at the End: Add the heavy cream and cheese right before serving for the creamiest, silkiest finish—never add them before the rice is done.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken And Rice
Garnishes
Finish your Creamy Chicken And Rice with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley—it brightens up both the look and taste. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a pinch of cracked black pepper, or even a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
This skillet classic pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad (think arugula or mixed greens) to balance its richness. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette turns it into pure comfort food heaven—perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving Creamy Chicken And Rice in individual ramekins or wide bowls, topped with a scattering of microgreens or shaved Parmesan. Or, spoon it into roasted bell pepper halves for a fun, colorful twist at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken And Rice keeps wonderfully! Just store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days—it holds up beautifully and makes for an extra-special lunch the next day.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to two months. For best results, let the dish cool completely before freezing to avoid ice crystals and preserve that creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave or warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce and keep everything perfectly creamy—just like the day it was made!
FAQs
-
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Brown rice will work, but you’ll need to increase the simmering time by 10–15 minutes and add a bit more broth (about 1/2 cup extra) to ensure the grains cook through and stay creamy.
-
Can I make Creamy Chicken And Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for prepping in advance. Cook as directed, cool completely, then store in the fridge. Gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy.
-
What other herbs could I use if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can use a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary. Even a pinch of sage or marjoram adds great flavor—just combine your favorite dried herbs to about one tablespoon total.
-
Is Creamy Chicken And Rice gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and verify your other ingredients. It’s perfect for anyone avoiding gluten but still craving a hearty, comforting meal!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken And Rice is one of those recipes you’ll reach for again and again whenever you want something cozy, easy, and deeply satisfying. I hope it finds a place at your table soon—don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!
Print
Creamy Chicken And Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Chicken and Rice is a delicious one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, cream, and Parmesan cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into small bite-size cubes
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup long-grain rice (such as Jasmine)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in Italian seasoning, rice, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the rice absorbs most of the cream. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rinse the rice before cooking for fluffier results.
- Do not disturb the lid while the rice is cooking.
- Season the dish at the end to avoid over-salting.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
