Description
Creamy Chicken and Rice Comfort Meal – A cozy, creamy weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich herb-infused sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in rice and toast lightly for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, milk (or cream), thyme, and a pinch more salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Return chicken to the pan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Parmesan and peas (if using). Let sit covered for 5 minutes to thicken and become extra creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- Parmesan is optional; omit for a dairy-free version or use a dairy-free parmesan substitute.
- Peas or mixed vegetables are optional and add color and nutrition.
- Let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking to help thicken the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: about 490 per serving
- Sugar: about 6 g
- Sodium: about 900 mg
- Fat: about 22 g
- Saturated Fat: about 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: about 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: about 60 g
- Fiber: about 4 g
- Protein: about 28 g
- Cholesterol: about 115 mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken and Rice, Comfort Meal, One-Pan Dinner, Cozy Dinner, Cream Sauce, Parmesan, Chicken and Rice