Are you craving a mouthwatering one-pan meal that promises restaurant-quality flavor without the hassle? Look no further than this irresistible Stovetop Creamy Chicken and Rice! In just 35 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a luxuriously creamy, perfectly seasoned dish that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary novice, this recipe is your ticket to a delicious, stress-free dinner that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, velvety sauce that'll make you forget all about takeout.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, finely chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is large enough to accommodate all ingredients.
- Add chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add diced chicken to the pan, season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until chicken is lightly golden and mostly cooked through.
- Pour in uncooked rice and stir to combine with chicken and onions, allowing rice to toast slightly for 1 minute.
- Pour chicken broth into the pan, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove lid and stir in heavy cream, creating a creamy consistency. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to further thicken.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or pan to prevent burning and promote even heat distribution.
- Toast the rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
- Keep the heat low when simmering rice to prevent scorching and achieve perfectly tender grains.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- For extra richness, use full-fat cream and high-quality chicken broth.
- Optional garnishes like fresh herbs can add a pop of color and freshness to the final dish.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, continue cooking uncovered to reduce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
