Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts; 1 cup rice (white or brown); 1 cup heavy cream; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Home-Cooked Favorites

I absolutely love making Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice for dinner! This dish has become a family favorite in our household due to its rich flavors and comforting creaminess. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and creamy sauce melds beautifully over fluffy rice. The best part? It only takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight meal without compromising on taste.

Created by

Ottilie James

Last updated on 2026-02-10T20:25:36.564Z

When I first tried this Creamy Garlic Chicken, I was amazed by how several simple ingredients could create such an incredible depth of flavor. The secret is in the garlic, which I sauté just until it's golden to release its aromatic oils, and the cream that adds a luxurious texture that coats each bite.

Over the years, I've experimented with adding different herbs and spices, but I always come back to fresh parsley for garnish. It not only brightens the dish but also enhances the flavors beautifully. Trust me, the creamy sauce paired with the rice will have everyone wanting seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Irresistibly creamy sauce that envelops the chicken and rice
Garlic flavor that elevates each bite to a new level
Quick cooking time makes it ideal for busy weeknights

Mastering the Cooking Process

To achieve perfectly cooked rice, it’s crucial to follow the water-to-rice ratio carefully. For white rice, using 2 cups of water to 1 cup of rice is ideal. For brown rice, you might need 2.5 cups of water due to its longer cooking time. Also, let it sit covered for a few minutes after cooking to allow the steam to finish cooking the grains, ensuring a fluffy texture when you fluff it with a fork.

When sautéing the chicken, ensure the skillet is well-heated before adding the chicken breasts. A medium-high heat should create a sear that locks in moisture and flavor. You can check by placing a few drops of water into the pan; if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, you're ready to go. If your chicken starts to stick to the pan, it might not be ready to flip yet, so give it a minute or so longer.

The Creamy Sauce Magic

The heavy cream in this recipe is essential for creating that luxurious texture; it helps to coat the chicken and rice beautifully. If you're looking to lighten it up, you can substitute half-and-half or even a full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that using lower-fat alternatives can alter the creaminess, so adjust cooking times slightly to compensate for the differences in thickness.

When adding garlic, be cautious not to overcook it. Sauté just until fragrant, usually about 1 minute; if it turns brown, it can turn bitter and affect the sauce's overall flavor. After adding the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet will help incorporate those flavorful brown bits left from the chicken, making the sauce richer and more complex.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breasts
1 cup rice (white or brown)
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Cook the Rice

In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt. Cover and reduce heat, cooking for about 18-20 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.

Sauté the Chicken

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it well with the sauce. Serve the creamy garlic chicken over rice and garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice is a great meal prep option! You can cook the chicken and rice in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture to the dish, as the cream sauce can thicken when cold.

For freezing, consider keeping the rice and chicken separate, as the texture can suffer when defrosted together. Store the chicken in a freezer-safe container, and freeze the sauce in a separate bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Transform this dish into a full meal by adding vegetables such as steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach towards the end of cooking. These not only enhance nutrition but also add color and texture contrast to the creamy dish. Simply stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking until they are heated throughout.

For a kick of flavor, consider adding lemon juice or zest before serving. The acidity will balance out the richness of the cream and add a fresh brightness. Another variation could be to incorporate different herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist, adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

You can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream for a lighter version.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat before serving over freshly cooked rice.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad pairs wonderfully with the creamy chicken.