It was a rainy Tuesday evening when I first made this creamy chicken and rice because I had leftover grilled chicken and a bit of rice from the night before so I figured I’d toss them together with a creamy sauce and see what happened. And let me tell you when I took that first spoonful it was rich warm and comforting in a way I hadn’t expected and now it’s one of my go-to dishes when I need something cozy fast.

Since then I’ve made this recipe countless times adjusting it here and there until it turned into a foolproof favorite and I love how versatile and filling it is whether I’m cooking for myself or the whole family and it never fails to bring that satisfying homemade touch to the table.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Chicken breast – The main protein source that cooks up tender and juicy in the creamy base.
Cooked white rice – A hearty and comforting base that soaks up all the sauce.
Chicken broth – Adds depth and savory flavor to the cream sauce.
Milk – Makes the dish creamy without being too heavy.
Butter – Gives richness and helps create the roux.
All-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce so it clings to the rice and chicken perfectly.
Garlic – Adds a warm savory base note.
Onion – Gives a hint of sweetness and texture to the dish.
Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings for balance.
Parmesan cheese – Adds nutty richness and a cheesy touch to the creamy sauce.
Parsley – Sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness and color.

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté pan – Where I cook the chicken and make the creamy sauce.
Cutting board and knife – For prepping the chicken and vegetables.
Measuring cups and spoons – To keep ingredients in balance.
Whisk – Helps create a smooth sauce without lumps.
Spatula or wooden spoon – Perfect for stirring everything together gently.
Small saucepan (optional) – If you need to warm the broth or milk separately.
Serving spoon – For plating up generous scoops of creamy deliciousness.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper and then I cook it in a bit of butter over medium heat until golden and cooked through then I remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2:

In the same pan I add more butter along with the diced onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3:

Then I sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for a minute to cook out the raw taste and create a smooth roux.

Step 4:

I slowly whisk in the chicken broth followed by the milk letting it simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

Step 5:

Next I stir in the Parmesan cheese and season the sauce with more salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6:

I add the cooked rice and chicken back into the pan and stir everything gently until well combined and heated through.

Step 7:

Finally I sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve it hot straight from the pan.

Tips

If I want to save time I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken from scratch. You can also swap in brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter version. And sometimes I stir in a handful of baby spinach right at the end for a little extra color and nutrition.

Ways to Serve

This creamy chicken and rice is perfect all on its own but I sometimes pair it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies on the side. For a fun twist I’ve also served it in individual ramekins topped with a little more cheese and broiled for a few minutes until bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover rice for Creamy Chicken and Rice?

Yes leftover rice works beautifully just make sure to fluff it up before adding it to the sauce.

Can I freeze Creamy Chicken and Rice?

You can but the texture might change slightly upon reheating due to the dairy in the sauce it’s best eaten fresh or stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I make Creamy Chicken and Rice without dairy?

Yes use a plant-based milk and dairy-free butter and skip the cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative.

Is Creamy Chicken and Rice gluten-free?

Not by default but you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this creamy chicken and rice a try next time you’re craving something simple satisfying and full of flavor. It’s one of those recipes that always hits the spot and I’d love to hear how it turns out in your kitchen!

Happy Cooking!