Description
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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Ingredients
For the Chicken & Rice:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
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2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup milk (or unsweetened almond or oat milk)
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½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
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1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
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½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika
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¼ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Optional for Garnish:
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Extra shredded cheese
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Cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
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Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
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In the same pan, add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
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Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
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Add uncooked rice to the pan and stir for 1 minute to toast slightly.
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Pour in the chicken broth and add dried thyme or Italian seasoning.
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Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
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Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add Chicken & Veggies
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After 10 minutes, stir in the partially cooked chicken and frozen vegetables.
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Cover and cook for another 10–12 minutes, or until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
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Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
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Once the chicken and rice are fully cooked, reduce heat to low.
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Stir in milk and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until well combined and creamy.
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Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
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Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper as needed.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of cheese if desired.
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Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness!
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American