Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 2 cups long-grain white rice; 4 cups water; 1 tablespoon butter; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Simple & Tasty

I absolutely love making Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice for a cozy dinner, especially on busy weeknights. The moment you take a bite, you’ll be swept away by the rich flavors and the creamy sauce that clings to tender chicken and fluffy rice. I appreciate how simple yet indulgent this dish is. It’s all made in one pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing deliciousness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to in your meal rotation, perfect for impressing family or friends!

Created by

Katherine Blake

Last updated on 2026-02-15T04:45:36.602Z

When I first cooked Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients created such depth of flavor. I began by sautéing fresh garlic and onions, which filled my kitchen with an incredible aroma. I realized that using quality chicken broth and a touch of cream elevated the dish and transformed it into a comforting meal that everyone loves.

After a few attempts and tweaks, I discovered that simmering the chicken gently allowed it to stay juicy while soaking in all the garlic goodness. To make it more special, I garnish it with fresh parsley and serve it with a side salad to brighten the meal. It’s truly a delightful dish that never fails to impress!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy sauce that envelops tender chicken
One-pan preparation makes clean-up a breeze
Comforting flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals

Understanding the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce in this recipe is a star player, acting as a flavorful blanket for both the chicken and rice. The combination of heavy cream and chicken broth creates a luscious texture that’s both thick and smooth, enhancing the dish's richness. As the sauce simmers, it thickens slightly, forming a beautiful glossy finish. Make sure to stir regularly to prevent the sauce from sticking to the skillet, especially as it thickens.

Using fresh garlic and onion is key; they add depth of flavor that dried or powdered versions simply can’t match. Sauté them until they are translucent before adding the liquids, as this ensures their natural sugars caramelize, creating a more complex flavor profile. Don't rush this step—about 2-3 minutes is ideal; your kitchen will fill with a delightful aroma that signals the meal is on its way.

Choosing the Right Chicken

Opting for boneless, skinless chicken breasts not only reduces cooking time but also allows the sauce to infuse directly into the meat. Look for evenly sized breasts to promote even cooking, which typically takes about 6-7 minutes per side over medium heat. If your chicken breasts are large, consider butterflying them to ensure they cook through without drying out. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

If you're looking for a substitute, chicken thighs can add an even richer flavor due to their higher fat content, resulting in a more tender bite. Just be mindful that they may need an extra minute or two to cook properly. Additionally, for a healthier option, skinless turkey breasts can be used, though they might require a touch more seasoning.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sauce

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Rice

2 cups long-grain white rice
4 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
Salt to taste

Instructions

Cook the Rice

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add rice, butter, and salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.

Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, letting it simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes. Serve over the cooked rice and garnish with chopped parsley.

Pro Tips

For added depth of flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce. You can also substitute chicken thighs for a richer taste.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy Garlic Chicken can easily be made ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Prepare the chicken and sauce as directed, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed, ensuring it stays creamy and luscious.

If you want to freeze it, wait until the dish has cooled completely. Transfer the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container, where it can be stored for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat gently before serving with freshly cooked rice.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, feel free to switch it up with jasmine or basmati rice, which can add a fragrant touch. Additionally, serving the creamy garlic chicken over a bed of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, not only adds color but also increases the nutritional content of your meal.

For a fun twist, consider adding freshly chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce right before returning the chicken. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also brings in complementary flavors that elevate the dish to a new level. Don't hesitate to experiment with spices too; a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time. Adjust to about 25-30 minutes.

→ Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Absolutely! You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of oil used.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Vegetables like spinach or broccoli can be added during the last few minutes of simmering the sauce.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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