Savory Chicken with Creamy Rice

Savory Chicken with Creamy Rice is a comforting and satisfying one-skillet dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or relaxed family meals. Juicy, seasoned chicken breasts are nestled into a rich, creamy rice base infused with garlic, onion, thyme, and chicken broth—delivering a hearty, flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare and pleasing to all.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers a perfect balance of protein, grains, and creamy texture—all in a single pan. The seasoned chicken breasts are golden and flavorful, while the rice absorbs the cream and broth for a luxuriously rich finish. Minimal cleanup, straightforward ingredients, and a short prep time make this an ideal option for busy home cooks who don’t want to compromise on taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and thyme.

3. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for a few minutes until softened and fragrant.

5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze and lift the browned bits.

6. Stir in the rice and heavy cream. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

7. Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, making sure they sit well in the rice mixture.

8. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and creamy.

9. Serve hot, spooning the creamy rice around each chicken breast.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: About 45 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Addition: Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese into the rice just before serving.

• Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the onion and garlic for added nutrition.

• Herb Variation: Use rosemary or basil instead of thyme for a different aromatic profile.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cream mixture for subtle heat.

• Cream Alternative: Substitute the heavy cream with a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of cream cheese for a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the rice. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Microwave reheating is also effective—cover and heat on medium power in 1-minute increments, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Adjust simmering time accordingly.

Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work well and remain juicy after simmering.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can use milk, but the sauce will be thinner. Consider adding a thickener like a spoonful of cream cheese or a cornstarch slurry.

How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?

The rice should be tender with no crunch. If needed, cook a few extra minutes and add a splash more broth or water.

What can I use instead of thyme?

Rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning can be used as substitutes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but the rice may absorb more liquid over time. Reheat gently with added cream or broth to restore the consistency.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

What sides go well with this dish?

A green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli complement the rich flavors nicely.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a plant-based cream or coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and check your broth for dairy-free certification.

How can I add more flavor?

Consider adding a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan before adding the rice, or include a bay leaf during simmering for depth.

Conclusion

Savory Chicken with Creamy Rice is a practical and flavorful dish that brings together wholesome ingredients and comforting textures in one skillet. With minimal effort and pantry staples, you can serve a delicious, family-friendly meal that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying. Perfect for busy evenings or relaxing weekend dinners, this recipe is bound to become a regular on your table.

Savory Chicken with Creamy Rice

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• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4-servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Savory Chicken with Creamy Rice is the ultimate comfort food—tender, seasoned chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy rice infused with garlic, onion, and thyme. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals, it’s a one-skillet dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. Creamy chicken and rice, one-pan chicken recipe, skillet chicken, comfort food, easy weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme.

• Cook chicken in the skillet for 6–7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

• In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

• Add chicken broth and scrape the bottom to lift browned bits.

• Stir in rice and heavy cream. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

• Return chicken to the skillet, nestling into the rice mixture.

• Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is thoroughly cooked.

• Serve hot.

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Notes

• Use boneless thighs for a juicier alternative.

• Add peas or spinach for extra color and nutrition.

• Substitute half-and-half for a lighter cream sauce.