Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup uncooked rice; Salt and pepper, to taste; Chopped parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Table Favorites

When I first attempted to make Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice, I was blown away by the rich flavors and comforting texture. I wanted a dish that felt like a warm hug on a cold day, and this recipe delivered! The garlic cream sauce envelops tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a harmonious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple yet satisfying, taking just 30 minutes to whip up. I promise, once you try it, this dish will become a favorite in your household.

Created by

Georgia Lane

Last updated on 2026-02-15T01:53:35.969Z

During one of my busy weeknights, I craved something hearty yet easy to prepare. That's when I created this creamy garlic chicken dish. The secret is in the homemade garlic sauce, which brings out the natural flavors of the chicken while keeping it juicy. Pair it with perfectly cooked rice, and you have a meal that feels gourmet, but only takes half an hour!

One tip I discovered is to sauté the garlic until it's just golden to avoid bitterness. This helps the garlic's flavor infuse beautifully into the cream, resulting in the best sauce ever. Trust me – it will elevate your dish from ordinary to extraordinary!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich garlic flavor that elevates a simple chicken dish
Creamy texture that pairs perfectly with fluffy rice
Quick preparation time makes it ideal for busy weeknights

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice is undoubtedly the garlic. Fresh garlic not only provides an aromatic kick but also deepens the overall flavor of the sauce. It’s important to sauté the garlic just until fragrant to prevent bitterness that can occur if it cooks too long. If you're a fan of garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two; just be mindful of the balance with the cream and broth.

Another key player is the heavy cream, which gives the sauce its luxurious richness. If you're looking for a lighter option, you could substitute half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that reducing the fat content will alter the creaminess slightly, so adjust the seasoning and garlic levels accordingly to keep the flavor vibrant.

Cooking Technique Tips

When cooking the chicken breasts, achieve a beautiful golden crust by ensuring the skillet is sufficiently preheated. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium heat. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of browning; cook in batches if necessary. You’re looking for a golden hue and an internal temperature of 165°F to confirm that they're fully cooked while maintaining juiciness.

Creating a glossy garlic cream sauce requires careful attention. Once you've added the heavy cream and broth, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, but don’t let it boil vigorously; this could cause the fat to separate. Stirring occasionally will help integrate the flavors and allow you to adjust seasoning as the sauce reduces and thickens, usually within about 5 minutes.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for an irresistible creamy garlic chicken dish:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup uncooked rice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish

With these ingredients ready, you're set to create a delicious meal!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your creamy garlic chicken with rice:

Cook the Rice

In a pot, combine rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until all water is absorbed.

Sauté the Chicken

While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Season with salt and pepper, then return chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Serve

Fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Serve the creamy garlic chicken over rice, spooning extra sauce on top. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Now you have a wonderful meal ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added richness, consider using a splash of white wine when making the sauce, or experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, consider pairing this dish with steamed vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus for added nutrition and color. The crunch from the vegetables contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the chicken and rice. Alternatively, serve with a fresh salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cleanse the palate.

To elevate the dish further, offer a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the top right before serving. The slight saltiness and depth of flavor will compliment the garlic cream sauce exquisitely. You can also introduce a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving to brighten the flavors.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the creamy garlic chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them from drying out, reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help restore moisture and creaminess during reheating. Stir occasionally until warmed through, which should take about 5-8 minutes.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the rice, as rice tends to lose its texture when frozen. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave, again adding broth if necessary to maintain the creamy consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.

→ Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli alongside the chicken for added nutrition.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.