Description
On a chilly evening, nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of creamy chicken and rice. This dish combines tender chicken, velvety rice, and a rich, flavorful sauce that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this one-pot wonder is both easy to make and deeply satisfying. Whether you prefer the classic version or want to experiment with variations like cheesy, spicy, or vegetable-packed twists, this guide has everything you need to master the ultimate creamy chicken and rice.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati for fluffiness)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for extra richness)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
-
Prep the Chicken:
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Set aside.
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Brown the Chicken:
- Add seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove and set aside (they will finish cooking later).
-
Cook the Rice:
- In the same skillet, add rice and stir to coat in the butter.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for flavor.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
-
Simmer Everything Together:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice.
- Cover and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (75°C).
-
Make It Creamy:
- Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese (if using).
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot, straight from the skillet!
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: dinner
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: ~25g