Description
This creamy chicken and rice recipe offers a comforting one-pot meal that’s both cheesy and flavorful. Tender chicken pieces are cooked with aromatic onions and garlic, then simmered with rice in a savory blend of chicken broth and milk. Finished off with sour cream and cheddar cheese, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner that’s quick to make and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy and Add-ins
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in uncooked rice, chicken broth, milk, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Rice: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15–18 minutes or until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir cooked chicken back into the skillet along with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
- Add Peas and Heat Through: If using frozen peas, stir them in now and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until peas are heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if desired, and serve the creamy chicken and rice warm for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, substitute part of the chicken broth with white wine or use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Brown rice can be used as a healthier alternative, but cooking time will need to be increased and additional liquid added.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using salted broth or cheese varieties.
