Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Fresh parsley for garnish; 2 cups long-grain rice; 4 cups water; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Hearty Home Favorites

I absolutely love creating dishes that are both comforting and rich in flavor, and this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice fits the bill perfectly. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress, whether I’m serving it for family or a special gathering. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and herbs, coats tender chicken and fluffy rice, making every bite a delight. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become a go-to meal in your kitchen.

Created by

Anya Coleman

Last updated on 2026-02-10T22:27:36.409Z

When I first experimented with this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice, I wanted to create a dish that embodies home-cooked comfort yet impresses the senses. After several trials, I discovered the right balance of garlic and creamy goodness that transforms a simple dinner into an elegant feast. A hint of lemon juice at the end adds a refreshing touch that elevates this creamy dish.

One crucial tip I found was to let the chicken sear properly before adding the sauce. This not only locks in the flavors but also gives the chicken a beautifully golden crust. The result is a delightful harmony of textures and flavors you won’t want to miss!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy garlic sauce that elevates the flavor of tender chicken
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner
Filling and satisfying, served ideally with fluffy rice

Perfecting the Creamy Garlic Sauce

The creamy garlic sauce is truly the heart of this dish. The heavy cream adds richness, while the chicken broth serves as a flavorful base that brings all the ingredients together. When combining the cream with the broth, be sure to stir constantly to achieve a smooth texture without separation. It's essential to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer rather than a boil; boiling can lead to sauce curdling. You'll know you’ve reached the right consistency when the sauce clings slightly to the back of a spoon.

A key tip in flavoring the sauce is the sautéing of garlic. Add it just as the oil begins to shimmer, ensuring that you keep the heat at medium to prevent burning. Burnt garlic can lead to a bitter taste that will overpower the dish. Watch for the garlic to turn golden and fragrant—this should only take about a minute.

Choosing the Right Chicken

When selecting chicken breasts for this recipe, look for pieces that are evenly sized; this ensures uniform cooking. If you have thick breasts, consider butterflying them or pounding them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch, which helps them cook through without drying out. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety, so using a meat thermometer can be incredibly helpful. Cooking on medium-high heat gives the perfect sear, with nice golden edges creating depth of flavor.

If you're looking for a substitution, boneless, skinless thighs would work beautifully too, offering a slightly richer flavor and a moister result. They might require a minute or two more cooking time, so keep an eye on them.

Serving and Variations

To serve, it’s important to fluff the rice before plating; this ensures each grain is separate and captures the creamy sauce beautifully. For an elegant touch, consider adding a wedge of lemon on the side or a sprinkle of additional herbs like thyme or basil for freshness. This creamy garlic chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a simple salad to balance out the richness.

For those looking to switch things up, try adding veggies to the sauce—spinach or mushrooms work well. Saute these in the skillet before adding the garlic to enhance the flavor profile. You can also swap the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for a more vibrant twist.

Ingredients

For the chicken

4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley for garnish

For the rice

2 cups long-grain rice
4 cups water
Salt to taste

Instructions

Prepare the rice

In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the salt and the rice, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

Cook the chicken

While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Make the creamy sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, bringing it to a gentle simmer.

Combine and finish

Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve

Fluff the rice and serve it on plates. Top with the creamy garlic chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.

Pro Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when making the sauce. Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, but reduce the simmering time to avoid separation.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is an excellent choice for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat gently on the stove to avoid the sauce from separating. The rice can also be cooked ahead of time and stored separately, which makes for easy assembly during busy weeknights.

If you're planning to freeze leftovers, consider portioning them into single servings. This dish freezes well for up to 2 months, but I recommend undercooking the chicken slightly, as it will continue to cook when reheating. To maintain the best texture, portion the creamy sauce separately from the rice.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce turns out too thick, simply thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or water while gently heating. This will help maintain a creamy consistency without compromising the flavor. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to reduce; this will concentrate the flavors and achieve the desired creamy texture.

If you notice the chicken is tough or dry after cooking, it is possible it was overcooked. Ensure you monitor the cooking time closely and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If you ended up with dry chicken, slicing the chicken into smaller pieces and simmering it briefly in the sauce can help revive the moisture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and increase cooking time slightly.

→ What can I add to make it spicy?

A pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce works wonderfully!

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Certainly! Just store the chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

→ What side dishes pair well with this?

Steamed broccoli or a fresh salad complement the meal beautifully.