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 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup rice (white or brown); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Food Collection

I absolutely love cooking this Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice, especially on busy weeknights when I crave something hearty yet effortless. The creamy sauce, infused with roasted garlic and herbs, envelops tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a comforting meal that feels special. What I adore most is how quickly it comes together—just a few minutes of prep and a short simmer, and dinner is served! This dish perfectly marries creamy textures with savory flavors, making it a new staple in my kitchen.

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2026-02-15T01:41:36.106Z

When I first made this Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice, I was pleasantly surprised by how much flavor could be achieved in such a short time. Choosing to sear the chicken before adding it to the creamy sauce helps lock in the juices, ensuring each bite is bursting with taste. It’s a great technique that elevates the dish without adding extra cooking time.

I also found that using fresh garlic gives an incredible depth and aroma to the sauce. Roasting the garlic slightly beforehand enhances its sweetness, balancing the richness of the cream. It’s these little tweaks that make a world of difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Lush and creamy sauce that comforts with each bite
Easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
A delightful balance of garlic flavor and savory chicken

The Magic of Garlic

Garlic is the star of this creamy dish, providing a depth of flavor that transforms the humble chicken into an indulgent meal. As you sauté the minced garlic, keep an eye on it to ensure it turns golden and fragrant but doesn’t burn, as burnt garlic can introduce a bitter taste. The goal is to unlock its natural sweetness, which beautifully complements the richness of the heavy cream.

For a deeper garlic flavor, consider roasting a few cloves beforehand. Roasted garlic adds a mellower, sweeter profile and integrates seamlessly into the sauce. Just slice the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes until soft and caramelized.

Cooking with Rice

Choosing the right type of rice can enhance your meal significantly. While white rice offers a quick cook time of about 15-20 minutes, brown rice requires more patience, taking about 40-45 minutes to become tender. If you opt for brown rice, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Always rinse your rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps achieve fluffy, non-sticky grains.

If you're looking for a different twist, consider using jasmine or basmati rice for their fragrant qualities. They pair nicely with the creamy sauce and add an aromatic quality that elevates the overall dish. Just be sure to adjust your liquid ratios, as different varieties may require more or less broth.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice makes for excellent meal prep. You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to three days. Just reheat the mixture gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much while reheating. This way, dinner can be on the table in under 15 minutes on busy nights.

For freezer storage, portion the chicken and sauce separately from the rice. You can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave, ensuring it’s heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

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

Ensure everything is measured and ready to go before you begin!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice:

Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, mixing well.

Combine and Cook

Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Meanwhile, prepare the rice according to package instructions.

Serve

Serve the creamy garlic chicken over the rice and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your meal!

Enjoy your delicious homemade Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can also sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese for an even creamier texture.

Flavor Enhancements

To elevate the flavors in this dish, consider incorporating a splash of white wine right after sautéing the garlic. The acidity will deglaze the pan, lifting any fond (those lovely brown bits) from the bottom, and provide an additional layer of flavor. Allow the wine to reduce slightly before adding the broth to concentrate the taste even further.

Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can introduce a hint of heat, balancing the creaminess with a kick. This complements the savory profile of the dish without overwhelming the garlic flavor, so adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish shines on its own, pairing it with a fresh side salad can create a well-rounded meal. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the creamy chicken and rice, providing a bright contrast.

For a bit of extra texture, you might consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or asparagus to the dish right before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds nutritional benefits, making your plate feel even more satisfying.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require slightly less cooking time.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk as a lighter alternative.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be prepared ahead and reheated, but the sauce may thicken upon cooling.

→ What side dishes pair well with this recipe?

A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables complement the creamy chicken beautifully.