Name: Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as Jasmine), rinsed; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

This Creamy Chicken and Rice dish is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich and creamy sauce come together in this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, less stress! This recipe comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of tender chicken, savory spices, and creamy sauce creates a delicious and satisfying meal that you can customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in under 35 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving a delicious and home-cooked meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious one-pan meal:

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into small bite-sized pieces.
Sweet paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder: Adds a blend of warm spices to the chicken.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
Onion: Chopped, for flavor and texture.
Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of classic Italian herbs.
Long-grain rice: Such as Jasmine rice, for a fluffy and flavorful base.
Chicken broth: Low sodium, adds flavor and moisture to the dish.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, adds a salty and nutty flavor.
Fresh parsley: For garnish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with sweet paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, or until no longer pink.

Step 2: Add Rice and Liquids

Stir in the Italian seasoning, rice, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without stirring. This allows the rice to steam and cook evenly.

Step 3: Finish and Serve

After 15 minutes, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for a couple more minutes, or until the rice absorbs most of the cream and the cheese is melted and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Rinse the rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking helps to remove excess starch and prevents it from clumping.
Don’t lift the lid: It’s crucial to keep the lid on the skillet while the rice is simmering to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid properly.
Season at the end: Wait to season with salt until the end of cooking, as the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese already contain salt.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice

One-Pan Meal: This Creamy Chicken and Rice is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own.
Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish with your favorite grilled meats or vegetables.
Lunchbox Friendly: Pack leftovers for a delicious and convenient lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can use other types of rice, such as brown rice or wild rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken or substitute it with tofu or tempeh.

Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. The texture may change slightly after freezing.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the skillet while cooking the chicken.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Creamy Chicken and Rice that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

Stacy Corbo

Hi, I’m Stacy Corbo! From quick dinners to family favorites, I’m here to help you bring joy to the table, one recipe at a time.

Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe