![- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish To make creamy chicken and rice, gather these ingredients. You can use either white or brown rice based on your preference. I like to use diced chicken breast because it cooks evenly and stays juicy. Heavy cream gives the dish that rich, comforting flavor. Chicken broth adds a savory depth to the sauce. Frozen peas and carrots mix makes this dish colorful and adds some nutrition. Chopped onion and minced garlic bring great flavor. Olive oil is your cooking fat of choice. Dried thyme and paprika add a warm, earthy taste. Remember to season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Finally, fresh parsley offers a nice pop of color and freshness when you serve. For the complete steps to prepare this dish, check out the Full Recipe. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the pan. - Season the chicken with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. - Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - In the same skillet, add 1 medium chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. - Stir the mixture and cook for about 3-4 minutes. - Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent. - Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. - Stir well to combine all the ingredients. - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. - Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots. - Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes. - This helps the sauce thicken a bit. - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add 2 cups of cooked rice. - Gently fold everything together until the chicken and rice are well coated with the creamy sauce. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To get the right sauce thickness, you can adjust the cream. If you want it thicker, let it simmer longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. The heat helps the sauce blend well with the chicken and rice. For cooking times, simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix. Always check if the chicken is cooked through before combining everything. When serving, use shallow bowls. This makes the dish look fancy. Drizzle some extra cream sauce on top. Then, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. It makes the dish pop! You can also use other herbs. Fresh thyme or basil can add a nice twist. A dash of paprika on top adds flavor and color too. For even cooking, a heavy skillet works best. Cast iron or non-stick skillets are great choices. They heat evenly and help prevent sticking. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring. These tools won’t scratch your skillet, and they help mix the sauce well. Make sure you have measuring cups for the ingredients too. It keeps everything precise and easy to follow. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section on ingredients and instructions. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in creamy chicken and rice for a new twist. - Turkey: Turkey works well in this dish. Use diced turkey breast instead of chicken. It has a similar texture and flavor. - Pork: Diced pork can add a nice flavor too. Use lean cuts like tenderloin for best results. - Plant-Based Proteins: If you prefer a meat-free option, try chickpeas or tofu. Both options soak up the creamy sauce well. Sometimes you might need to change some ingredients. Here are some easy swaps. - Dairy-Free Options: For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a slight sweetness and keeps it creamy. - Gluten-Free Broth: If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free chicken broth. Many brands offer this, making it easy to enjoy without worry. Want to enhance the flavors? Here are some fun ideas. - Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish. You can add spices like cumin or rosemary for depth. - Adding Heat: If you like some spice, toss in sliced jalapeños or chili flakes. This gives the dish a nice kick and balances the creaminess. Feel free to explore these variations to make this creamy chicken and rice your own. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To keep creamy chicken and rice fresh, follow these best practices: - Refrigeration: Place leftovers in a shallow, airtight container. This helps cool the dish evenly and prevents bacteria growth. Store in the fridge within two hours of cooking. - Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, freeze creamy chicken and rice. Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. Reheating this dish requires care to keep it creamy and tasty: - Microwave: Place the portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help with moisture. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until heated through. - Stovetop: For stovetop reheating, put it in a skillet over low heat. Stir often and add a bit of cream or broth to maintain creaminess. Heat until warm, about 5-7 minutes. Knowing how long your dish lasts is key for safety: - In the Fridge: Creamy chicken and rice will last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for freshness before eating. - Signs of Spoilage: Watch for changes in smell, color, or texture. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to discard it. When in doubt, throw it out. Yes, you can make creamy chicken and rice ahead of time. This dish stores well and tastes great the next day. To prepare, cook the dish as normal. Let it cool to room temperature. Then, divide it into portions. Store each portion in airtight containers. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. It will last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Creamy chicken and rice pairs well with many dishes. Here are a few suggestions: - Steamed broccoli - Garlic bread - Side salad with vinaigrette - Roasted vegetables - Grilled asparagus These sides add color and flavor. They also balance the creaminess of the dish. You can make creamy chicken and rice more nutritious by adding veggies. Here are some great options: - Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the end. It wilts quickly and adds iron. - Bell peppers: Dice and sauté them with onions for a sweet crunch. - Zucchini: Chop and cook with the chicken for added fiber. - Beans: Add a can of drained beans for protein and fiber. These additions boost nutrition without changing the flavor too much. They make your meal colorful and healthy. This recipe combines chicken, rice, and cream for a quick meal that’s hard to beat. We explored the ingredients, steps, and tips to make it perfect. Remember, you can mix things up with different proteins or flavors. Store any leftovers properly for later. Cooking should be fun and easy, and this dish makes it simple. Enjoy your creamy chicken and rice, and feel free to get creative!](https://themomdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dd50ce46-ce0f-4cc3-a13c-5430a6488fce-300x300.webp)
Creamy Chicken and Rice
Craving a delicious and comforting meal? Try this Creamy Chicken and Rice dish that's simple to make and packed with flavor! Diced chicken, rich cream, and fluffy rice come together for a one-pan delight perfect for any night. Discover easy cooking tips and variations for a family favorite. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore the full recipe and make this comforting treat tonight!