Name: Creamy Chicken and Rice: A Comfort Food Classic Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice; 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter); 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Nothing spells pure comfort quite like a bubbling skillet of Creamy Chicken and Rice: A Comfort Food Classic. This one-pan wonder brings together tender bites of chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a luscious, velvety sauce. It is a recipe that takes you right back to cozy weeknight dinners and big family gatherings. With pops of sweet peas, carrots, and a touch of Parmesan, every bite is both nostalgic and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a soothing, homemade meal, this dish is about to become a staple in your kitchen.

Creamy Chicken and Rice: A Comfort Food Classic Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Creamy Chicken and Rice: A Comfort Food Classic so special is its beautiful simplicity—every ingredient has a job to do, from building the creamy foundation to providing color and crunch. Here’s what you’ll need and why.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sear the chicken for maximum flavor.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Your choice dictates tenderness and flavor—thighs stay juicy, breasts are a bit leaner.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the overall dish.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle warmth without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions for a sweet, mellow background note.
Onion: Diced small, it melts into the dish, adding sweetness and depth.
Garlic: A classic aromatic—just two cloves infuse the entire dish with savory undertones.
Long-grain white rice: The base that soaks up all that creamy sauce without going mushy.
Chicken broth: Provides savory backbone and keeps the rice moist as it cooks.
Heavy cream (or half-and-half): The secret to that dreamy, silky texture—go lighter if you prefer.
Frozen peas and carrots: For sweetness, color, and a little veggie boost—plus, they cook in no time.
Dried thyme: A gentle herbal note that balances out the creamy richness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Savory, salty, and just melts delightfully into the finished rice.
Chopped parsley: Freshness and a pop of color to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice: A Comfort Food Classic

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in your biggest skillet or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then lay them in the hot pan. Let them sizzle without stirring too much until they’re golden on the outside—about 4 to 5 minutes. Don’t worry if they’re not cooked through yet; you’re building flavor! Scoop the chicken out and set it aside for now.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Toast the Rice

Lower the heat a tad and melt the butter in the same pan. Add the diced onion and let it gently soften, turning sweet and almost translucent in just a couple minutes. Stir in the garlic until fragrant. Next, sprinkle in the rice and give it a quick toast, stirring so it’s coated with buttery goodness. This step unlocks a beautifully nutty aroma that makes the whole dish more flavorful.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Cream

Now, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, plus the dried thyme. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it starts to bubble, dial the heat down, cover the pan, and let it all simmer for about 15 minutes. The rice will slowly absorb the creamy liquid and become irresistibly tender.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Veggies

Nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the pan, along with the peas and carrots. Give everything a quick stir, cover once again, and let it all cook together for another 5 to 7 minutes. By now, the chicken will be juicy and cooked through, and the rice will be fluffy, soaking up even more of that creamy sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Parsley

When the rice and chicken are just right, gently stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This final touch makes the sauce extra creamy, rich, and savory. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then scatter freshly chopped parsley on top. Your Creamy Chicken and Rice: A Comfort Food Classic is ready to serve!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice: A Comfort Food Classic

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the perfect finishing touch, brightening up every serving. For a more decadent feel, try a dusting of extra Parmesan or a hint of cracked black pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, add a little drizzle of olive oil or even a light squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of freshness.

Side Dishes

Creamy Chicken and Rice: A Comfort Food Classic really shines as a one-bowl wonder, but if you want to round out the meal, you can’t go wrong with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or even sautéed greens like spinach or broccoli. Roasted vegetables work beautifully for extra color and a light, crisp contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style look. Or, dish out individual servings into small bowls and top each with extra parsley and cheese for a dinner party vibe. You can also stuff bell pepper halves with the creamy mixture for an unexpected and delightful presentation, perfect for making leftovers feel new again.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken and Rice: A Comfort Food Classic keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making reheated leftovers almost better than the first time around. Just add a splash of broth or milk to keep it perfectly creamy.

Freezing

This dish is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Cool it completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring in a splash of broth, milk, or even water as needed to bring back that gorgeous, silky texture. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly heated and creamy all the way through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

You can, but keep in mind that brown rice needs more liquid and a longer cooking time. If you make the swap, adjust the broth and simmering time accordingly, and plan on the dish taking about 45 minutes total to finish.

Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter?

Absolutely! Half-and-half works well for a lighter version that’s still rich, or you could use whole milk in a pinch. Just know the sauce will be a little less thick, but the flavors will remain comforting and delicious.

What other vegetables can I add?

Creamy Chicken and Rice: A Comfort Food Classic is super adaptable. Try broccoli florets, chopped spinach, mushrooms, or even corn. Add delicate veggies like spinach toward the end, just so they wilt without turning soggy.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth is free from gluten-containing additives. Check your labels, and you’re good to go!

How do I prevent the rice from sticking or burning?

Keep the heat low and steady during simmering, and always use a heavy-bottomed skillet or pot. Stir occasionally and make sure there’s enough liquid at all times. If it looks dry, just add a splash more broth.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a weeknight hero or a dish to warm the soul, it’s time to give Creamy Chicken and Rice: A Comfort Food Classic a try. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable—everything you could ever want in a hearty homemade meal!

Creamy Chicken and Rice: A Comfort Food Classic Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Chicken and Rice is a classic comfort food dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a creamy sauce for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Rice:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, season chicken, and brown for 4–5 minutes. Set aside.
Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and rice. Add broth, cream, and thyme. Simmer covered for 15 minutes.
Finish the Dish: Add chicken, peas, carrots, and cook for 5–7 minutes. Stir in Parmesan, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley.