There’s something undeniably comforting about a big, warm plate of creamy chicken and rice. The tender chicken chunks bathed in a rich, velvety sauce melt right into the fluffy white rice underneath. Whether it’s a chilly night or you’re craving a nostalgic classic, this dish is soul food at its finest.

What makes this creamy chicken and rice recipe truly shine is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a chef or spend hours in the kitchen to create something deeply satisfying. A few everyday ingredients come together to create a luscious, creamy meal the whole family will devour. And the best part? It tastes even better the next day.

What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

For the perfect texture and absorbency, go with long grain white rice or jasmine rice. These types hold their shape beautifully and soak up the creamy sauce without turning mushy. If you’re aiming for a heartier bite, brown rice works too, but keep in mind it takes longer to cook and may not get as creamy.

Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken and Rice

Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized chunks. It cooks quickly and becomes juicy in the creamy sauce.
Onion: Adds savory depth and enhances the base of the flavor.
Garlic: A must-have for bold, aromatic undertones.
Paprika: Brings subtle warmth and color.
Cream cheese: The secret to that ultra-luxurious, silky texture.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich and indulgent.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps everything moist.
Cooked white rice: Fluffy and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Parsley: Fresh and bright, it’s the ideal final touch.
Olive oil or butter: For sautéing the aromatics and chicken.

How To Make the Creamy Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese. Let it melt slowly into the chicken mixture. Once fully incorporated, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Gently fold the cooked white rice into the creamy chicken mixture. Stir well to make sure the rice is fully coated in sauce. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors can meld.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright finish. Serve warm, optionally with an extra drizzle of cream or a pinch of paprika on top.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Chicken and Rice

Serve this creamy dish warm straight from the skillet, ladled generously over a bed of rice or stirred together. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or simple steamed vegetables on the side.

To store, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce back up to its original creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Just shred or dice the cooked rotisserie chicken and add it when you’d normally add the cooked chicken to the sauce. It’s a great time-saver.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, though the texture may change slightly. Let it cool fully, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can substitute full-fat coconut milk for heavy cream and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. It won’t be quite as rich, but still delicious.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Peas, spinach, or steamed broccoli work wonderfully in this dish. Stir them in during the final step before serving.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Sour cream or a little more heavy cream can work in a pinch, but cream cheese gives the sauce its signature body.

Can I make it spicy?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the paprika to bring some heat.

Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If you love creamy chicken and rice, here are some other satisfying and cozy dinner recipes from Life with Jam you might enjoy:

These meals are perfect for cozy evenings or when you just want something hearty and delicious.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try adding veggies? Spice it up a bit?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

👉 For even more comforting recipes and creative meal ideas, follow me on Pinterest – Life with Jam.

Creamy Chicken and Rice

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe is comfort food at its best—juicy chunks of chicken, sautéed with aromatic garlic and onion, then simmered in a luscious cream cheese and heavy cream sauce. Fold in fluffy rice and finish with fresh herbs for a dish the whole family will love.