Creamy Chicken and Rice

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Creamy chicken and rice is a tasty meal you can make in one pan. It’s quick and easy for busy nights. This dish has tender chicken and soft rice in a cheesy sauce that your family will love. You only need a few basic ingredients to make it.

You can change up this recipe to fit your taste. Try different spices or veggies to make it your own. The best part? It only takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. Give it a try for your next dinner!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy creamy chicken and rice dish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati work great)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. The chicken and rice will cook together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half if you want a lighter option. Feel free to use cheddar instead of Parmesan if that’s what you have on hand.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a big pan over medium heat. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes until it’s brown on all sides. Take it out of the pan and set it aside.

Add diced onion to the same pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until it’s soft. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Put rice, thyme, parsley, and smoked paprika in the pan. Stir it all together for 1-2 minutes until the rice smells toasty.

Pour in chicken broth and stir. Let it start to bubble, then turn the heat down low. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes. Stir now and then so it doesn’t stick.

When the rice is soft, put the chicken back in. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until it’s all mixed and creamy.

If you want, add frozen peas for color. Stir until they’re warm.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. You can add extra Parmesan if you like. Serve it hot and enjoy your tasty meal!

Possible Substitutes List

You can easily swap ingredients in this creamy chicken and rice dish. Here are some tasty options:

Protein:

• Turkey breast chunks
• Tofu cubes (for a vegetarian version)
• Shrimp or fish pieces

Rice:

• Brown rice (add 5-10 minutes to cooking time)
• Quinoa
• Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)

Cheese:

• Mozzarella
• Gruyère
• Gouda

Veggies:

• Broccoli florets instead of peas
• Diced carrots
• Sliced mushrooms

Herbs and Spices:

• Italian seasoning mix instead of thyme and parsley
• Cajun spice blend for a kick
• Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro

Liquid:

• Vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
• Coconut milk instead of heavy cream (for dairy-free)

You can also add a splash of white wine or lemon juice for extra flavor. Feel free to mix and match these substitutes to create your own unique version!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

You can tweak this tasty dish to make it more diabetes-friendly. Start by using brown rice instead of white. Brown rice has more fiber and won’t spike your blood sugar as much.

Cut back on the heavy cream. Try using low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead. This will lower the fat and calorie content while keeping the dish creamy.

Reduce the amount of cheese by half. Choose a sharp cheddar so you still get lots of flavor with less cheese.

Add more veggies! Double the peas and toss in some diced carrots or bell peppers. This adds fiber and nutrients without many extra carbs.

Use less oil when cooking the chicken. A non-stick pan can help with this. You can also trim any visible fat from the chicken before cooking.

Watch your portion sizes. Stick to about 1 cup of the finished dish per serving. Pair it with a big green salad to round out your meal.

These simple swaps will make the dish more blood sugar-friendly without sacrificing taste. You’ll still get to enjoy a comforting, creamy meal!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Season your chicken ahead of time for extra flavor. You can do this up to 24 hours before cooking. Just store the seasoned chicken in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Use a non-stick pan to make cleanup easier. If you don’t have one, make sure to stir the rice often to prevent sticking.

For a richer flavor, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’re more flavorful and stay juicy.

If your rice isn’t cooking evenly, add a bit more broth. Start with 1/4 cup and go from there.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture. Heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often.

For a quick meal prep, you can chop the chicken and veggies ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Try swapping out the peas for other veggies like spinach or broccoli. Just add them near the end of cooking time.