There’s something wonderfully comforting about a warm bowl of Creamy Chicken and Rice. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl—rich, velvety, and full of flavor. Whether you’re curled up on a rainy evening or feeding a hungry family on a busy weekday, this dish delivers satisfaction in every spoonful.

What sets this version apart is how it marries convenience and flavor. It’s a one-pan wonder that simmers everything together until the rice is tender, the chicken is juicy, and the sauce is irresistibly creamy. It’s home-cooked comfort that doesn’t require a culinary degree to master.

What Kind of Rice Works Best for Creamy Chicken and Rice?

Short to medium grain white rice works best here because it gives off just enough starch to make the mixture creamy without going mushy. Arborio rice (like in risotto) adds a rich texture, but jasmine or basmati will work too—just keep an eye on the liquid levels.

Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken and Rice

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup short to medium grain white rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How To Make the Creamy Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook until the chicken is browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, then add the minced garlic. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Rice

Stir in the rice and let it toast for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the heavy cream and peas. Stir everything gently and let it cook for another 5 minutes until creamy and heated through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Chicken and Rice

This dish is hearty enough to be served on its own, but you can also pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for added brightness. A squeeze of lemon over the top can also lift the creamy richness beautifully.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but it will need a longer cooking time and a bit more liquid—usually around 10-15 minutes extra.

Can this dish be frozen?

It can, but the texture of the rice may become a bit mushy upon reheating. If freezing, do so in a shallow container for quicker thawing.

What vegetables go well in this dish?

Peas are classic, but diced carrots, spinach, or even mushrooms are great additions. Add them based on their cooking times.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes—just make sure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Chicken and Rice, you’ll enjoy these comforting chicken favorites too:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything.
Marry Me Chicken for an ultra-rich, skillet-to-table classic.
One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles if you’re after a cozy, carb-hugging dinner.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a herby Italian twist.
Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken to let your dinner simmer while you get things done.

📌 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 try adding mushrooms? Maybe a little Parmesan on top?

I love seeing how others bring these dishes to life in their own kitchens. Don’t be shy—questions and tweaks are always welcome!

Explore more recipes on my Pinterest at Nina Dishes for daily deliciousness.

Creamy Chicken and Rice

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food—simple, hearty, and full of flavor. Juicy chicken, tender rice, and a rich, creamy sauce come together in one skillet to create a satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté diced onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Stir in the rice and toast for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.

4. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, add heavy cream and peas. Stir gently and cook for 5 more minutes until creamy and heated through.

5. Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.