Creamy Chicken and Rice

Warm, comforting, and full of flavor, this Creamy Chicken and Rice is the ultimate one-pot meal you’ll want to make again and again. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prepping ahead. It’s kid-friendly, customizable, and ready in under an hour with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder – Easy cleanup and minimal fuss.
Creamy & Cozy – Classic comfort food made with wholesome ingredients.
Family Favorite – Mild, creamy flavors make it a hit with kids and adults.
Versatile – Add your favorite vegetables or swap in brown rice.
Meal Prep Friendly – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken & Rice:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (or unsweetened almond or oat milk)
• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Optional for Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra shredded cheese
• Cracked black pepper

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or Dutch oven with lid
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. In the same pan, add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

1. Add uncooked rice to the pan and stir for 1 minute to toast slightly.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and add dried thyme or Italian seasoning.
3. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
4. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Chicken & Veggies

1. After 10 minutes, stir in the partially cooked chicken and frozen vegetables.
2. Cover and cook for another 10–12 minutes, or until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

1. Once the chicken and rice are fully cooked, reduce heat to low.
2. Stir in milk and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until well combined and creamy.
3. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper as needed.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of cheese if desired.
3. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness!

Tips for Creamy Perfection
Use Long-Grain White Rice – It stays fluffy and absorbs flavor well.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Brown it first, then finish cooking it in the rice for juicy bites.
Add Cream at the End – This keeps the sauce smooth and prevents curdling.
Switch It Up – Try broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach instead of peas and carrots.

Serving Suggestions
Side Salad – A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness.
Garlic Bread – Soak up every bit of creamy sauce.
Steamed Broccoli – For added greens and a nutrition boost.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Add a splash of milk or broth and reheat over low heat until warm.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the liquid and cooking time. Add an extra ½ cup broth and simmer for 35–40 minutes total.

2. What can I use instead of sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt works great. It adds creaminess without extra fat.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based milk, skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese, and substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free version or cashew cream.

4. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Skip the sauté step and stir in shredded rotisserie chicken with the veggies.

5. Will this work in the oven?
Yes. Sauté everything on the stovetop, then transfer to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.

Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Rice is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s cozy, simple, and full of flavor—and best of all, it comes together in one pot. Perfect for feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this is a dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

Try it out and share your version! Leave a review and let me know how it turned out—I’d love to hear your delicious twists on this comforting classic.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 6 servings):
Calories: 390 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 520mg

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