Creamy Garlic Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Classic Hearty Meals

I absolutely love making this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice recipe on busy weeknights when I crave something comforting and delicious. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful garlic, and creamy sauce brings warmth to our table. It's an easy one-pot meal that saves me time on cleanup, making it a go-to dish in our home. Every bite is packed with flavor and makes for satisfying leftovers too, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with it as I have!

Created by

Skylar Jennings

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:25:35.864Z

When I first attempted this dish, I was looking for something hearty yet simple to prepare. The richness of the creamy garlic sauce paired with perfectly cooked rice was just what I needed, and it turned out even better than I anticipated. Cooking the chicken in the same pot allows it to absorb all the flavors, making every bite unforgettable.

One tip I've learned is to let the rice rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps it become even creamier and allows the garlic flavors to meld beautifully. It truly enhances the dish and makes it worthy of any dinner table!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy, rich garlic sauce that envelops tender chicken and rice
One-pot meal that saves time on both cooking and cleanup
Comfort food that's perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep

Ingredient Insights

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the heavy cream, which brings a luxurious richness to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but be aware that the sauce may be less creamy and could require additional cooking time to thicken. Always monitor the texture as you make substitutions, especially with milks that have lower fat content.

Chicken broth enriches the dish with additional flavors, enhancing the overall taste. While homemade broth is always a plus, store-bought versions can save time and still yield satisfying results. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt levels in your meal, particularly if you're seasoning the chicken at the beginning.

Perfecting Your Technique

When sautéing the chicken, ensure that the pieces are evenly spaced in the skillet. This allows for proper browning and avoids steaming, which can result in a soggy texture. Aim for a golden, crisp exterior, about 6-8 minutes of cooking, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. If needed, cook in batches to avoid crowding the pan.

The key to fluffy rice lies in the simmering step. After adding the chicken broth, cover the skillet tightly to trap steam, which helps the rice cook evenly. Avoid lifting the lid during this time as it releases steam and can lead to undercooked grains. You’ll know it’s ready when the liquid is absorbed, and the rice is tender but still has a slight bite.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables, adding a fresh contrast to the rich flavors. Consider a simple vinaigrette for the salad to balance out the heaviness of the dish. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the skillet; this prevents the dish from drying out and helps retain its creamy texture. You can also easily freeze portions for up to two months—simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients listed below before you start cooking for a smoother experience.

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ensure that all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Combine Ingredients

Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat in the garlic oil. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Add Cream and Chicken

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, onion powder, dried herbs, and the cooked chicken. Stir well to combine, and cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture is heated through.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your meal!

Let the dish sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld before serving.

Pro Tips

For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the creamy sauce right before serving.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to add in vegetables like spinach or peas a few minutes before serving for extra nutrition and color. These veggies will wilt quickly into the creamy sauce, enhancing both texture and flavor. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.

For a different protein option, try substituting the chicken with shrimp or mushrooms. Adjust cooking times accordingly: shrimp will only need about 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque, while mushrooms may take a bit longer to become tender and flavorful.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce seems too thin after adding the cream, simply let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken up. Stir frequently to avoid sticking, and keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning. If it’s too thick, add a bit more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Should your chicken turn out dry, it may have been overcooked during the sautéing phase. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but once it's done, remove it from the heat. The residual cooking from combining with the rice helps retain moisture, so ideally, you want the chicken to be just cooked through before mixing.

Storage and Reheating Tips

For optimal storage, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a container. This prevents condensation and sogginess. When ready to eat, you can reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, or on the stovetop, again adding a small amount of liquid to keep the creaminess.

If you plan to freeze some portions, consider separating single servings. This allows for easier reheating and ensures more even thawing. Just remember to label them with the date so you can keep track of how long they've been in the freezer!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time and the amount of broth since brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

You can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lower-fat cream alternative for a lighter version.

→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding spinach, peas, or bell peppers will enhance both the nutrition and flavor of the dish.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.