This creamy chicken and rice dinner is like a warm hug on a plate! It’s made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce that brings everything together.
Making this dish is super simple! I can toss everything together in one pot, and in no time, I’m enjoying a comforting meal that makes my family smile. Who doesn’t love an easy meal that tastes amazing?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work great too. If you’re in a pinch, use cooked rotisserie chicken or even leftover turkey for this recipe!
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this dish, but feel free to substitute with brown rice or jasmine rice. If using brown rice, increase the cooking time and check for doneness.
Dairy: Whole milk gives the best creamy texture, but you can substitute with 2% milk or a non-dairy cream for a lighter version. Cream cheese adds extra richness, but I often skip it for a lighter meal.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh is key! I love the flavor they bring. If you’re low on onions, shallots can be used in a pinch. Garlic powder is fine, but fresh yields better flavor.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is my go-to! If you want a twist, try pepper jack for a little kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Always use what you enjoy!
How Can I Get the Chicken Just Right?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but here’s how to do it easily!
- Start by cooking the chicken about 70% of the way before adding other ingredients. This keeps it moist.
- Cook it until lightly browned on all sides; this usually takes just 5-7 minutes.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you have a lot of chicken, it’s better to cook in batches.
This way, you’ll end up with tender, juicy chicken that perfectly complements the creamy rice!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or cream for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. In just 40 minutes, you’ll have a comforting dish that serves about 4 people!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season them with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is lightly browned and nearly cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
In the same pan, toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
3. Toast the Rice:
Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir it for 1-2 minutes to give it a light toast. This step enhances the flavor of the rice.
4. Add Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring everything together. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer the Rice:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the rice isn’t sticking to the bottom, and check that it’s tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Mix in Creaminess:
After the rice is cooked, return the chicken to the pan. Stir in the sour cream or cream cheese, along with the shredded cheddar cheese if you’re using it. Mix until everything is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Meld the Flavors:
Cover the pan again and cook on low heat for another 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, and ensures the chicken is fully cooked through.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pan from heat, and garnish your creamy chicken and rice with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Serve warm and enjoy every bite of this comforting dinner!
Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious creamy chicken and rice dinner!
FAQ for Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinner
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to thaw it completely first. The best way to do this is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing before cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese as substitutes. Greek yogurt adds a nice tang while keeping it creamy, and cream cheese will give it an even richer texture. Just make sure to soften the cream cheese before stirring it in!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to maintain creaminess.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the whole dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving, and add a little extra broth or milk to bring back the creamy consistency!
