If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that’s as cozy as it is satisfying, this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melty cheddar cheese come together in a one-pan wonder that’s rich, dreamy, and packed with flavor. Each bite delivers creamy goodness with pops of freshness, making it a family favorite you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish keeps it simple with a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one plays a starring role in building irresistible taste and creamy texture. From protein-packed chicken to a hint of fresh parsley at the end, every component matters.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide lean, juicy bites that soak up all the creamy sauce.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion gives a gentle sweetness and depth to the base of the dish.
- Garlic: Just two cloves make a big difference, adding a fragrant kick that complements the chicken.
- Long-grain white rice: The rice cooks up fluffy and tender, absorbing all the savory flavors.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish savory and prevents it from becoming too salty.
- Whole milk or half-and-half: This is where the creaminess begins, making the sauce luxuriously rich.
- Sour cream: Gives a tangy, velvety finish that makes every bite extra luscious.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts right in, adding a cheesy pull and golden color.
- Dried thyme: A little goes a long way, infusing the recipe with earthy, herby undertones.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Frozen peas (optional): Bright pops of green add sweetness and freshness—totally optional, but highly recommended!
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley brings color and a burst of herbal brightness to finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and let them cook undisturbed until they’re golden and no longer pink in the center, about 5–6 minutes. Browning the chicken gives it a little crust and helps lock in those savory flavors. Once done, scoop the chicken out and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet (so you keep all those tasty brown bits), toss in the finely chopped onion. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and smells sweet. Then add the minced garlic, cooking just a minute more—garlic can burn fast, so keep watch for just a hint of golden color.
Step 3: Cook the Rice and Broth
Now, stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, chicken broth, milk, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 15–18 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This is where the magic happens, as the rice soaks up all the creamy, savory flavors.
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
With the rice perfectly cooked, it’s time to stir in the cooked chicken, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Fold everything together until the cheese melts and you have a silky, creamy chicken and rice base. If you love extra pops of color or sweetness, now’s the time to add those optional peas—just stir them in and let the heat warm them through for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and finish your Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. Serve it up warm, straight from the skillet, and watch everyone dive in for seconds!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a great garnish! A handful of chopped fresh parsley or even a little extra shredded cheddar on top adds color, freshness, and that irresistible “finished” look to your Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe. If you want a touch of heat, a few red pepper flakes work wonders too.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even classic garlic bread. Anything fresh and crunchy will balance the creamy, cheesy goodness and round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or want to switch things up, try spooning the Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe into individual ramekins and broiling with an extra sprinkle of cheese for a bubbly, golden crust. Or, serve it family-style in a big, colorful dish with lots of fresh herbs on top—it’s as inviting as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe stores like a dream! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making your next helping just as irresistible.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions for busy nights, simply spoon cooled servings into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, so the creamy texture stays just right.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen things up if needed. For larger batches, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a bit of liquid to bring back that signature creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra nutrition, but keep in mind it takes longer to cook and will need more liquid. Start with an extra half cup of broth and check for doneness as you go.
What’s the best way to make this ahead?
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe is perfect for prepping in advance. You can fully assemble and cook it, then store in the fridge. Just reheat gently and stir in a splash of milk if it thickens up too much.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred or chop it and stir it in after the rice is cooked, letting it warm through in the creamy sauce for a few minutes. It’s a real time-saver.
How can I make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and light sour cream, and reduce the cheese slightly. Skipping the cheese altogether will change the texture, but the dish will still be creamy and flavorful thanks to the milk and sour cream.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Kids usually love the mild, creamy flavor and tender chicken in this dish. You can skip the peas or any optional garnishes if your little ones are picky, and adjust seasoning to taste. It’s a reliable family hit!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe enough for anyone looking for a comforting, easy, and absolutely delicious meal. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This creamy chicken and rice recipe is a comforting one-pot dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces cooked with flavorful rice, cheddar cheese, and a touch of sour cream. It’s perfect for a hearty family dinner and can be easily customized with peas or rotisserie chicken for added convenience and taste.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Pantry Staples
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and no longer pink in the center, about 5 to 6 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, followed by the chicken broth, milk (or half-and-half), dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until the dish is creamy and the cheese has melted completely.
- Add Peas and Finish: If using, add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, substitute part of the chicken broth with white wine.
- Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add a different texture.
- Brown rice can be used instead of white rice, but increase cooking time and add extra liquid accordingly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using salted broth or pre-seasoned chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
