Creamy Chicken and Rice

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Few things scream comfort like a bowl of creamy chicken and rice. This dish brings together juicy, seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week.

With minimal prep and a one-pot method, this creamy chicken and rice is a lifesaver on busy nights. It delivers restaurant-quality flavor with pantry staples, making it both economical and incredibly satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Rice

This dish is incredibly easy to throw together and is kid-approved. It uses basic ingredients you probably already have and doesn’t sacrifice flavor for simplicity. Plus, the creamy texture and hearty components make it the ultimate comfort food without feeling overly heavy.

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What Kind of Rice Works Best?

Long grain white rice is the gold standard here, thanks to its fluffy texture and ability to soak up the creamy sauce without turning mushy. Avoid instant rice, as it tends to overcook and turn to paste in one-pot recipes. Basmati or jasmine rice can also work if you want a touch of aroma.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken and Rice

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this dish flavorful and satisfying.

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Tender and juicy, they’re the protein backbone of the dish. Thighs add more flavor, while breasts are leaner.
• Long Grain White Rice: Holds its texture and soaks up the creamy base beautifully.
• Chicken Broth: Deepens the savory profile and helps cook the rice.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the dish its signature silky texture.
• Onion and Garlic: Adds aromatic depth.
• Carrots and Celery: For a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
• Butter: Starts the flavor base and enriches the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken evenly.
• Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning: Basic seasonings that bring it all together.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty finish if you’re feeling indulgent.

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How To Make the Creamy Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add butter and cook the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft and fragrant. This builds the foundational flavor.

Step 3: Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice to toast slightly, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, nestle the chicken back into the pot, cover, and let it cook on low until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream

Remove the chicken to shred or cube, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan (if using). Add the chicken back and combine until everything is creamy and cohesive.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Finish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of cheese. Serve hot.

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How to Serve and Store Creamy Chicken and Rice

This creamy dish is best served hot straight from the pot, but leftovers reheat like a dream. It feeds about 4 to 6 people generously. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring back that velvety texture.

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What to Serve With Creamy Chicken and Rice?

Steamed Green Beans

Their fresh crunch balances the richness of the rice.

Garlic Bread

Great for scooping up any leftover sauce.

Simple Side Salad

A mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette lightens the plate.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds texture and a touch of charred flavor.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Their umami depth complements the creaminess.

Pickled Onions or Veggies

For a bit of acidity to cut through the richness.

Buttery Corn on the Cob

Sweet, juicy corn makes a nice contrast.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If creamy chicken and rice is your vibe, you’ll love exploring these delicious comfort foods next:

• Crazy Good Chicken Pasta Casserole
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
• Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
• Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or peas? Did you go heavy on the garlic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, one creamy dish at a time.

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