Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice (The Ultimate One-Pan Recipe)

Welcome to the recipe that will revolutionize your weeknight dinners. This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender, juicy chicken and fluffy rice in a rich, savory garlic cream sauce. Best of all, it all comes together in a single pan, making cleanup an absolute breeze. If you’ve been searching for a meal that’s both incredibly delicious and wonderfully simple, you’ve found it.

We’ve designed this recipe to be foolproof, guiding you through each step to ensure a perfect result every time. Say goodbye to dry chicken or mushy rice; this dish delivers on flavor and texture, making it a guaranteed family favorite. It’s a complete meal that feels gourmet but is ready in under an hour.

Why This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice Recipe is a Weeknight Winner

There are countless reasons to love this one-pan creamy chicken and rice skillet, but here are a few that will make it a staple in your kitchen rotation.

• One-Pan Wonder: All the cooking happens in one skillet. That means fewer dishes and more time enjoying your evening.
• Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and heavy cream creates a luxuriously smooth sauce that perfectly coats every grain of rice and piece of chicken.
• Perfectly Cooked Every Time: By following our simple steps, you’ll achieve succulent chicken and perfectly tender rice without any guesswork.
• Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or try one of our suggested variations below.

The Key Ingredients for Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.

For the Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness for quick and even cooking.
• Seasoning: A simple blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika gives the chicken a beautiful color and savory crust.
• Olive Oil & Butter: Searing the chicken in a combination of oil and butter creates a rich flavor base right from the start.

For the Creamy Garlic Rice

• Aromatics: Onion and plenty of freshly minced garlic are essential for building a deep, savory flavor.
• Long-Grain White Rice: We recommend using a long-grain white rice like Jasmine or Basmati. Be sure to rinse it first to remove excess starch, which helps keep the grains separate and fluffy.
• Chicken Broth: Using a quality low-sodium chicken broth instead of water infuses the rice with much more flavor.
• Heavy Cream & Parmesan Cheese: These are the secrets to the ultra-creamy sauce. They melt together to create a velvety, rich finish.
• Spinach: A few handfuls of fresh spinach wilted in at the end adds color, nutrients, and a touch of freshness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate one-pan dinner. We’ve broken it down to make the process as clear as possible.

1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously on both sides. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed and drained rice to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to toast the grains. This step enhances the rice’s nutty flavor and helps it maintain its texture.
4. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Cook the Rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.
6. Make it Creamy: Uncover the skillet and stir in the heavy cream, shredded Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the spinach has wilted into the rice.
7. Combine and Serve: Nestle the seared chicken back into the creamy rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

A few expert tips can take your Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice from great to absolutely unforgettable.

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure there’s enough space in the skillet. If needed, work in batches. This ensures a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Rinse Your Rice: This is a crucial step! Rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear removes excess starch and prevents the final dish from becoming gummy.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own from a block makes a huge difference in the sauce’s texture. For another cheesy favorite, check out this incredible classic mac and cheese recipe.

Delicious Variations to Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

• Add More Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli are excellent additions. Stir them in when you add the spinach.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a little kick of heat.
• Swap the Protein: This recipe works wonderfully with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even seared shrimp. If you love chicken thighs, you’ll adore this honey garlic slow cooker chicken.

What to Serve with Your Chicken and Rice Skillet

This is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but a simple side can round it out beautifully. We recommend serving it with a light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed asparagus, or roasted green beans. For a truly comforting meal, pair it with some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy garlic sauce. If you’re looking for another easy chicken dinner, this easy chicken enchilada recipe is a must-try.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and rice in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice

FL Recipes

Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice (The Ultimate One-Pan Recipe)

This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice is the ultimate one-pan weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and fluffy rice are simmered in a rich, savory garlic cream sauce with spinach and Parmesan for an unforgettable, easy-to-make comfort food classic.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice rinsed until water runs clear
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups fresh spinach packed
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven A 12-inch skillet works best.
• 1 Cutting Board
• 1 Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Season the chicken generously on both sides. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the rinsed rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender.
4. Uncover and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Stir until the cheese is melted and the spinach has wilted completely.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcalProtein: 45gFat: 30gFiber: 3g

Notes

Rinse Your Rice: Don't skip this step! It's essential for fluffy, non-gummy rice.
Use Fresh Parmesan: For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, grate your own cheese from a block.
Chicken Temperature: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Keyword chicken and rice skillet,creamy garlic chicken,one pan chicken and rice

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