Creamy Garlic Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1 cup of rice (preferably jasmine or basmati); 4 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 cup of heavy cream; 2 cups of chicken broth; 1 tablespoon of olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday Inspiration

I absolutely love making this creamy garlic chicken and rice dish because it’s the perfect comfort food for any day of the week. The creamy sauce envelops tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a warm, satisfying meal that my whole family enjoys. With a blend of garlic and herbs, each bite is bursting with flavor. I often prepare this recipe on busy nights since it comes together in just about 40 minutes, making it a wonderful weeknight dinner option.

Created by

Olwen Bradford

Last updated on 2026-01-24T14:33:34.897Z

When I first experimented with this creamy garlic chicken, I found that using chicken thighs instead of breasts increased the moisture content, making the dish even more flavorful. The interaction between the garlic and cream that simmers together creates a perfect sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and rice. I've learned that letting the rice soak up some of that creamy sauce is essential for fully developing its flavor.

I always add a handful of fresh parsley to finish the dish. Not only does it brighten the flavor, but it also adds a beautiful pop of color. This recipe is now a staple in my home, especially during cozy family dinners. You absolutely have to try it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy sauce with a beautiful garlic flavor
Comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights
Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup required

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

The key to achieving a luscious, creamy sauce lies in the balance of heavy cream and chicken broth. The heavy cream adds richness, while the broth contributes depth of flavor without overpowering the dish. As you simmer, keep an eye on the consistency; it should become slightly thickened, coating the back of a spoon. If it's too thin, let it simmer longer without the lid to reduce the liquid; if it's too thick, add a splash of broth to reach your desired consistency.

For an extra layer of taste, consider adding Parmesan cheese as the sauce thickens. It will melt beautifully into the mixture, enhancing the creaminess while introducing a nutty flavor. Just remember to adjust the salt level accordingly, as cheese can add a significant amount of saltiness to the dish.

Rice Preparation Tips

Using jasmine or basmati rice not only enhances the fragrance of this dish but also contributes to the overall texture. When adding the rice to the skillet, ensure it's well-coated with the creamy sauce. This helps the grains absorb the flavors during cooking. If you're in a rush, you can use pre-cooked rice, but be cautious not to overheat it, as you want it to maintain its fluffy texture when combined with the sauce.

If you're looking for a healthier option, consider substituting brown rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time—approximately 30-40 minutes—so adjust the simmering time accordingly to ensure both the rice and chicken are perfectly cooked.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This creamy garlic chicken and rice dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad, providing a fresh contrast to the rich flavors. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice over the finished dish can brighten the meal and cut through the creaminess. If you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can introduce a nice kick that complements the garlic beautifully.

Feel free to experiment with different herbs in addition to parsley for garnish. Fresh thyme or rosemary can enhance the earthy flavors of the chicken and rice. You could also try adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the dish for additional texture and nutrients, adjusting cooking times in the steps to ensure everything melds beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your creamy garlic chicken and rice:

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 cup of rice (preferably jasmine or basmati)
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of heavy cream
2 cups of chicken broth
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before getting started!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy garlic chicken and rice:

Cook the Chicken

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

Sauté the Garlic

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

Prepare the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and let it thicken slightly. Add the rice into the skillet, mixing well to combine.

Combine Everything

Nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the creamy sauce. Cover and allow it to cook for about 20 minutes on low heat.

Garnish and Serve

Once the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce, sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve hot!

Enjoy your delicious creamy garlic chicken and rice!

Pro Tips

For a little extra kick, you can add red pepper flakes to the sauce or serve with a side of steamed vegetables.

Ingredient Insights

When selecting chicken thighs, choose those with a good amount of fat marbling for added flavor and moisture. Thighs tend to be more forgiving than breasts and remain juicy even if slightly overcooked. Skinless and boneless options cut down on prep time and make serving easier, but if you have bone-in thighs, they will impart a richer flavor; just adjust the cooking time to accommodate the bone.

Minced garlic is a pivotal ingredient to this recipe as it brings depth of flavor. If you're out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can serve as a substitute in a pinch—use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove needed, but be careful not to overdo it; its flavor is more potent and can overpower.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This dish is great for meal prep. You can cook everything in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to prevent it from drying out. Heat on low on the stove, stirring gently until warmed through, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

If you're planning to freeze this meal, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. For best results, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This will help maintain the creamy texture and prevent separation of the sauce.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce separates, it may be due to cooking at too high a heat or not allowing the ingredients to meld long enough. Lower the heat and stir gently to re-emulsify. To avoid separation in the first place, be cautious when simmering and continually stir the mixture as it cooks.

Should your rice remain undercooked or hard after the specified time, simply cover the skillet and allow it to simmer with a bit more broth for an additional 5-10 minutes. This should soften the rice further while allowing it to soak up more of the creamy sauce.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts or drumsticks; just adjust cooking times as needed.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Peas, spinach, or bell peppers would make a great addition.