A hearty one-skillet meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something satisfying that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Comfort Bowl is the ultimate cozy meal that delivers on both flavor and convenience. The dish comes together in just one pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing taste. The combination of savory chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rice creates a balanced meal that’s both filling and delicious. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is approachable enough for beginner cooks yet flavorful enough to impress anyone at your dinner table. It’s also incredibly versatile – you can easily add different vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butter creates the rich foundation for this dish, providing flavor and helping to create a golden crust on the chicken. It also works with the olive oil to sauté the aromatics and toast the rice for enhanced flavor.
- Olive oil complements the butter by raising the smoke point, allowing you to get a better sear on the chicken without burning the butter. The combination of these two fats creates a perfect balance of flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the protein star of this dish. It becomes tender and juicy when properly cooked, absorbing the flavors of the aromatics and sauce beautifully.
- Onion and garlic form the aromatic base that builds deep flavor in the dish. These ingredients release their sweetness when sautéed, creating a foundation that enhances every other component.
- Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe because it cooks up fluffy and separate, not sticky, allowing it to maintain its texture when combined with the creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth infuses the rice with savory flavor as it cooks, creating layers of taste throughout the dish rather than just on the surface.
- Heavy cream transforms this from a simple chicken and rice dish into a luxurious, comforting meal. It creates the silky texture that makes this recipe truly special.
- Frozen peas and carrots add color, nutrition, and sweet flavor contrast to the rich, creamy base. Using frozen vegetables makes this recipe convenient year-round.
- Parmesan cheese brings umami depth and slight saltiness that balances the richness of the cream. As it melts into the sauce, it adds another dimension of creaminess.
- Paprika adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the finished dish without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Fresh parsley brightens the rich dish with color and a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the creaminess.
Directions
- In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add rice to the skillet, coating it in butter and oil, and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream, cooked chicken, peas and carrots, Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until creamy and heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 generous servings at approximately 545 calories per serving. It’s perfect for a family dinner or for meal prep with leftovers. The dish comes together in just 40 minutes total – 10 minutes of preparation time and 30 minutes of cooking time. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but special enough for weekend comfort food.
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables and flavor complexity.
- Protein Swap: Substitute the chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Whole Grain Option: Use brown rice instead of white for more fiber and nutrients (note that cooking time will increase to about 40-45 minutes for the rice).
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and omit the Parmesan cheese (or use a dairy-free alternative).
- Herb Enhancements: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to the aromatics for a more herb-forward flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy heat.
- Lemon Brightness: Add lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for a citrusy brightness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often develop and improve overnight, making this dish excellent for meal prep.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Portion into individual servings before freezing for easier reheating. Note that the texture of the rice may change slightly after freezing.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. Stir occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave Method: Microwave individual portions on medium power with a splash of liquid, covering the dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Stop and stir halfway through heating.
- Freshening Leftovers: Add a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and chopped parsley to revitalize leftovers after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes 35-45 minutes to cook compared to white rice’s 18-20 minutes. You may also need to add slightly more liquid.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Half-and-half can work as a lighter alternative, though the result won’t be quite as rich. In a pinch, you could use whole milk mixed with 1-2 tablespoons of butter, but the sauce will be thinner.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats well. You might want to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to refresh the creaminess.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with olive oil or plant-based butter, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and either omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or dice the chicken and add it when the recipe calls for returning the cooked chicken to the skillet.
How can I make this dish lower in calories?
Use light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the amount of butter, and use part-skim mozzarella instead of Parmesan cheese. You could also increase the vegetable ratio.
What other vegetables work well in this recipe?
Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, and asparagus all work wonderfully. Adjust cooking times accordingly—heartier vegetables may need to be added earlier.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast meat?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitution. They tend to be more flavorful and remain juicier than breast meat.
What’s the best way to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to toast the rice in the butter/oil mixture before adding liquid, use a non-stick or well-seasoned pan, and maintain a low simmer rather than a rapid boil.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, this recipe doubles well. Use a larger pot to ensure even cooking, and you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to account for the larger volume.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Comfort Bowl truly lives up to its name—it’s the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and colorful vegetables all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce creates a meal that satisfies both body and soul. What makes this recipe particularly special is its balance of simplicity and flavor; it doesn’t require advanced cooking skills or hard-to-find ingredients, yet it delivers restaurant-quality taste. Whether you’re cooking for a family weeknight dinner, meal prepping for busy days, or simply craving something comforting, this one-pot wonder delivers on all fronts. The next time you need a reliable, delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table, this creamy chicken and rice bowl should be at the top of your list.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Rice Comfort Bowl
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A comforting, creamy chicken and rice dish packed with flavors, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add rice to the skillet, coating it in butter and oil, and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream, cooked chicken, peas and carrots, Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until creamy and heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen vegetables as desired.
- Feel free to substitute Parmesan cheese with another cheese of your choice for a different flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste at the end, if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 545 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
