Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate One-Pan Recipe

Look no further for the perfect weeknight meal. This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice recipe is a one-pan wonder that brings incredible flavor with minimal cleanup. Tender chicken and fluffy rice are simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce that your whole family will love. It’s the kind of comforting, satisfying dish that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make. Get ready for this to become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Why This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice is a Weeknight Winner

When life gets busy, you need recipes that are both quick and delicious. This dish checks all the boxes.

• One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks together in a single skillet, which means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
• Rich and Flavorful: A savory combination of garlic, parmesan, and herbs creates a luxurious sauce that coats every grain of rice and piece of chicken.
• Ready in Under 45 Minutes: It’s the perfect solution for a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable: Easily add your favorite veggies or switch up the protein to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature creamy texture and robust flavor.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces work best.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal as it cooks up fluffy and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• Aromatics: A generous amount of fresh garlic and a yellow onion form the flavor base.
• Chicken Broth: Use a quality low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: This is the key to an ultra-creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and provides a nutty, savory depth.
• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds a touch of color, nutrients, and wilts perfectly into the sauce.
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper are all you need.

For a similar flavor profile with even less effort, you might also enjoy this One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Asparagus.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps to create a perfect one-pan creamy chicken and rice skillet dinner.

1. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Toast the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for about a minute to toast the grains. This helps them stay separate and adds a nutty flavor.
4. Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Continue to stir until the spinach has wilted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it heat through for a couple of minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Sauce

A luscious sauce is the heart of this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice. Here’s how to ensure it’s perfect every time.

• Use Heavy Cream: For the richest, most stable sauce, heavy cream is the best choice. Half-and-half can work in a pinch, but the sauce may be thinner.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: Avoid pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. A fresh block of Parmesan will melt seamlessly.
• Don’t Over-Boil: After adding the cream and cheese, keep the heat on low to prevent the sauce from curdling or separating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to adapt it based on what you have on hand.

Protein Swaps

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor. You could also substitute the chicken with shrimp (add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking) or savory smoked sausage. If you’re looking for more chicken ideas, this guide to slow cooker chicken breast is full of inspiration.

Veggie Add-ins

This dish is a great way to use up vegetables. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, steamed broccoli, or green peas. Stir them in when you add the spinach.

Dairy-Free Option

To make this dairy-free, use full-fat canned coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will have a slight coconut note that pairs beautifully with the garlic.

What to Serve With Your Dish

This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides.

• A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
• Steamed or roasted asparagus or broccoli.
• A side of crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.

For another comforting meal, try this incredibly creamy potato soup.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to a saucepan and gently warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Best Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice

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Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate One-Pan Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice is a one-pan wonder packed with flavor. Tender chicken and fluffy rice are simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce for an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will adore.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 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 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 1 Yellow Onion finely diced
• 4 cloves Garlic minced
• 1.5 cups Long-Grain White Rice uncooked
• 4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 0.75 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
• 3 cups Fresh Spinach packed
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Equipment

• 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
• 1 Cutting Board
• 1 Knife

Method

 

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. In the same skillet, melt the butter. 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 uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for about a minute to toast the grains.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Continue to stir over low heat until the spinach has wilted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it heat through for a couple of minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcalProtein: 38gFat: 35gFiber: 3g

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese as it melts much better than pre-shredded varieties.
Ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender before adding the cream and cheese to prevent a gritty texture.

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

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