Short Description

This Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, velvety cream sauce with peas, carrots, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a one-pan meal that’s warm, satisfying, and ideal for cozy weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Skillet Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single pan for easy cleanup.
Creamy and Comforting: Rich heavy cream and Parmesan create a silky, luxurious texture.
Family Favorite: Mild flavors and hearty ingredients make this a hit with kids and adults alike.
Well-Rounded Meal: Includes protein, carbs, and vegetables in every bite.
Perfect for Leftovers: Stores and reheats well for next-day lunches or dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Toast the Rice:
Stir in the uncooked rice and toss to coat in the remaining butter and oil. Cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
Simmer the Rice:
Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed.
Add Creamy Ingredients:
Stir in the heavy cream, cooked chicken, frozen peas and carrots, Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring often, until creamy and heated through.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 545 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Cheese Swap: Use shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using precooked chicken.
Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half or milk for a lighter cream sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in single-serve portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust as needed.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well. Store and reheat as directed above.

What type of chicken is best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs offer a bit more flavor and moisture.

Is heavy cream necessary?

Heavy cream gives the dish its rich texture, but you can substitute with milk or half-and-half for a lighter version.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, mushrooms, broccoli, or corn can be added based on preference.

Will the rice get mushy?

Not if it’s cooked just until tender and not over-simmered after the cream is added.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients used (especially the broth) are certified gluten-free.

Can I use fresh vegetables?

Absolutely. Simply sauté them with the onions or steam them before mixing in.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Use vegetable broth and substitute chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas.

Can I bake this instead of stovetop?

This is best as a stovetop recipe for optimal texture, but you can bake leftovers with cheese on top for a casserole-style dish.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Rice is the ultimate one-skillet comfort dish—creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. With a simple method and pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s perfect for weeknight meals or any time you’re craving a cozy, satisfying dinner. Rich with protein, veggies, and grains, it’s a complete meal that always hits the spot.

Creamy Chicken and Rice

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4-servings

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Description

This Creamy Chicken and Rice is a cozy, one-skillet comfort meal made with tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and hearty rice. With sweet peas, carrots, and rich flavors in every bite, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that comes together in under an hour—family-friendly and irresistibly comforting.

Instructions

Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Toast Rice: Stir in rice and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.
Simmer: Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
Finish Dish: Stir in heavy cream, cooked chicken, peas and carrots, Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through and creamy.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep.
Substitute with brown rice and adjust cook time for a whole-grain version.
Add mushrooms or spinach for a veggie boost.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American