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Some meals just wrap you up like a warm hug, and this Creamy Chicken and Rice is exactly that. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with flavor, with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a luxurious, creamy sauce that coats every bite.
The sautéed mushrooms, sweet diced carrots, and fresh herbs give it that rustic, home-cooked feel, making it a perfectly balanced one-pan meal. Whether you’re craving comfort food on a chilly night or need a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this dish is a guaranteed winner.
🍗 What You’ll Need
👉 For the Chicken and Rice:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup diced carrots
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
👉 For Extra Creaminess:
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, but SO good!)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan or white cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
🍚 How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice
1️⃣ Heat butter & oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2️⃣ Season & cook the chicken – Sprinkle the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Sauté the veggies – In the same pan, cook the onions, mushrooms, and carrots for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4️⃣ Toast the rice – Stir in the uncooked rice and let it cook for about 1 minute, coating it in the butter and seasonings.
5️⃣ Add broth & simmer – Pour in the chicken broth, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and let cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6️⃣ Make it creamy! Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and sour cream (if using), then add the cooked chicken back in.
7️⃣ Melt in the cheese – Stir in Parmesan or cheddar, letting it melt into the sauce. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and let simmer for 3-5 more minutes until thick and creamy.
8️⃣ Garnish & serve – Top with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and black pepper for the perfect finishing touch!
✨ Easy Variations & Tips
🍄 Not a Mushroom Fan? Swap them for peas or spinach for a fresh touch.
🥕 Extra Veggies? Try adding diced celery or sweet corn.
🧀 Cheese Lovers? Stir in extra cheddar or even a touch of Gouda for richness.
🍚 Rice Choice Matters! Stick to long-grain white rice—brown rice takes longer and needs more liquid.
💡 What to Serve with It?
- Garlic bread for soaking up all that creamy goodness
- Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a pop of color
- A crisp side salad to balance the richness
This Creamy Chicken and Rice is the definition of comfort food in a bowl—hearty, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re making it for the family, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a stress-free dinner, this one is guaranteed to hit the spot.
