creamy garlic chicken with rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a wonderfully comforting weeknight dinner, creamy garlic chicken with rice is about to become your new go-to recipe. Big, juicy pieces of chicken, tender spinach, fluffy rice, and a silky, rich sauce come together in a single pan—so prep and cleanup are both a breeze. The irresistible aroma of garlic mingled with savory Parmesan will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy bistro and, trust me, each bite lives up to the hype! This is the kind of meal everyone looks forward to at the end of a long day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beauties of creamy garlic chicken with rice is just how simple the ingredient list is—there’s nothing fancy, but every item brings something special. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s the chicken providing protein, the rice soaking up all that kaleidoscopic flavor, or the finishing touch of Parmesan that ties everything together.

• Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed for quick, even cooking and lots of juicy bites in every spoonful.
• Garlic salt: This amps up the flavor with a one-two punch of savoriness and subtle garlic essence; a smart shortcut!
• Black pepper: Just a pinch delivers that gentle background warmth and rounds out the dish.
• Fresh garlic: Four whole cloves, minced, unlock a deep, rich aroma and make the flavor truly pop.
• Dry white rice: Acts as the hearty base; long grain is classic, but you can experiment with what you have on hand.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: This adds loads of savory depth while keeping things from getting too salty.
• Heavy cream: The secret to the dreamy, decadent sauce—the creaminess takes humble pantry staples to next-level comfort food.
• Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and just the right amount of earthy flavor for balance.
• Freshly grated Parmesan: Melts luxuriously into the sauce, lending tang and a beautiful, glossy finish.

How to Make creamy garlic chicken with rice

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Begin by generously sprinkling your cubed chicken breasts with garlic salt and black pepper. Not only does this add flavor to the chicken itself, but it sets the stage for the layers of seasoning that build throughout the pan. This quick seasoning step means every bite of chicken in your creamy garlic chicken with rice will be flavorful from the inside out.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat your largest skillet over medium-high and give it a quick spray with oil. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes, until they’re golden on the outside. Use a spatula to gently toss and ensure all sides brown evenly, which locks in those juices. This little bit of caramelization goes a long way toward making the final dish even more savory.

Step 3: Saute the Garlic

Once the chicken is nicely browned, stir in the minced garlic. It needs only about a minute—just until it’s fragrant and lightly golden. Don’t walk away! This step is quick, but it’s where the kitchen fills with that signature, mouthwatering garlicky aroma creamy garlic chicken with rice is known for.

Step 4: Add Rice and Broth

Pour the dry rice and chicken broth right into the skillet. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom—they’re loaded with flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover tightly with a lid. Let it cook for around 12 to 15 minutes. The rice begins absorbing all those savory, garlicky juices, filling the kitchen with pure comfort.

Step 5: Creamy Spinach Finish

When most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and toss in the fresh spinach. Cover the pan again and let everything simmer another 5 to 7 minutes. The spinach wilts into gorgeous ribbons and the cream thickens beautifully, transforming your skillet into a creamy garlic chicken with rice masterpiece.

Step 6: Stir in Parmesan and Serve

Finally, with the heat off, add your freshly grated Parmesan and gently stir until it melts luxuriously into the sauce. The dish will now be silky, fragrant, and irresistibly cheesy. All that’s left is to scoop generous helpings onto plates and dive in!

How to Serve creamy garlic chicken with rice

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a sprinkle! A dusting of extra Parmesan on top just before serving makes creamy garlic chicken with rice even more indulgent, while some chopped fresh parsley or basil adds a bright touch of color and a fresh flavor contrast. You could also try a crack of black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice for a little zing.

Side Dishes

This meal is hearty and filling all on its own, but it also plays well with others. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balance out the creamy richness. If you’re feeling extra hungry, a loaf of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a weeknight supper, serve creamy garlic chicken with rice straight from the pan family-style—it invites everyone to dig in. Hosting guests? Spoon it into wide, shallow bowls and top with a flourish of microgreens. Leftovers also make lovely lunchbox fare: simply portion into meal prep containers for a midday treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool before transferring leftovers into airtight containers. Creamy garlic chicken with rice will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and improve overnight, making the next-day experience just as delicious—if not better!

Freezing

If you’d like to stock your freezer, creamy garlic chicken with rice can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and label with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back the creaminess before warming gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often. You can also microwave individual portions, pausing to stir halfway through so it heats evenly. Just avoid overheating, which can dry out the chicken and rice.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more flavor and stay wonderfully tender. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and proceed as directed.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No worries—you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit lighter. For a dairy-free twist, try canned coconut milk for a subtle sweetness.

Can I use brown rice?

You can swap in brown rice, but it will need more liquid and a longer cooking time. Check for doneness and add extra broth as needed to keep things creamy.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for chickpeas, white beans, or cubed tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious meat-free creamy garlic chicken with rice variation.

Can I add more veggies?

Absolutely—this recipe adapts beautifully! Try tossing in peas, mushrooms, or blanched broccoli along with the spinach for even more color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s easy to make, soul-warming, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews, creamy garlic chicken with rice is the answer. It’s simple enough for weeknights but feels special enough for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try and watch this dish become a regular in your dinner rotation—you won’t regret it!

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