Creamy Garlic Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup uncooked rice (preferably long grain); 1 cup frozen peas; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday Comfort Food Inspiration

I absolutely love making Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice! It’s a dish that’s not only comforting but also incredibly satisfying with its rich flavors and creamy texture. The aroma of garlic wafting through my kitchen as the chicken simmers is simply irresistible. I enjoy serving this dish on busy weeknights or when friends drop by unexpectedly, and it never fails to impress. Plus, it’s easy to prepare with just a few fresh ingredients, making it a go-to recipe that I always fall back on.

Created by

Victoria Hall

Last updated on 2026-02-01T21:33:35.925Z

When I first tried making Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice, I was shocked at how quickly it came together without compromising flavor. The key is to let the garlic roast until it’s golden and fragrant before adding the chicken, which brings out its natural sweetness. This small detail transforms the dish!

The first time I served it, my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was. I always keep a bag of frozen peas or spinach on hand to throw in for a pop of color and flavor, making it feel like a gourmet meal right at home.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy sauce that's full of flavor
One-pot meal for easy cleanup
Comfort food that satisfies everyone at the table

Choosing the Right Chicken

When preparing Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice, the quality of chicken breasts greatly impacts the dish's final flavor and texture. Opt for fresh, organic, and high-quality chicken breast for the best results. If you're short on time, frozen chicken can be substituted, but ensure it’s thoroughly thawed before cooking. This prevents uneven cooking and allows for that lovely golden sear. For best results, use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

If you prefer a more robust flavor, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are slightly fattier, yielding a richer flavor and juicier texture. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, allowing about 10 minutes more for them to cook through, ensuring they remain tender and moist.

Perfecting the Rice

The rice in this recipe plays a crucial role as it absorbs the creamy garlic sauce, adding to the overall flavor profile. Long grain rice is preferred due to its nice, fluffy texture, but you can also use jasmine or basmati for a fragrant twist. Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking; this removes excess starch and helps prevent it from becoming gummy during the simmering process. A ratio of 1 cup of rice to 1 cup of liquid is perfect; you can adjust it for more servings as needed.

If you want to incorporate more vegetables, feel free to add carrots or bell peppers along with the peas. Sauté them briefly in the skillet before adding the broth to ensure they soften just enough to enhance the dish’s texture without losing their crunchiness. This not only boosts flavor but also adds a vibrant color contrast.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can prepare the dish a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld overnight in the fridge. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. However, due to the creamy sauce, it’s best not to freeze this dish, as dairy can separate upon thawing, affecting its texture.

When reheating, do so on the stovetop over low heat to maintain a creamy consistency. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or a bit more cream to help the sauce re-emulsify. Stir gently to avoid breaking apart the chicken and ensure everything is warmed evenly without scorching.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup uncooked rice (preferably long grain)
1 cup frozen peas
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Prepare the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the rice and then reduce the heat to low. Place the chicken back into the skillet, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

Finish the Dish

After 20 minutes, add the heavy cream and frozen peas. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy garlic chicken and rice!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic before adding the chicken broth. You can also substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option like half-and-half, but the texture will be slightly different.

Flavor Enhancements

To elevate the flavor of your Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice even further, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary during the cooking process. These herbs complement the garlic beautifully and infuse the chicken and rice with an aromatic essence. Add about a teaspoon of dried herbs when adding the chicken broth for an enhanced taste without overpowering the garlic.

For a spicy kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be stirred in with the garlic. This not only adds heat but also pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the dish. Remember to start with a small amount; you can always add more based on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

When serving Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice, consider pairing it with a light salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish beautifully. I also like to serve it alongside lemon wedges, allowing guests to add a spritz of freshness to their plates, enhancing the flavors.

For an upscale presentation, plate the dish in shallow bowls and sprinkle additional fresh parsley just before serving. Not only does this add a pop of color, but it also takes just a moment to elevate the entire dish visually, making it feel more curated and special for guests.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice typically takes longer to cook. You may need to add additional liquid.

→ Is there a dairy-free option I can use?

Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.