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 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups cooked rice; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Family Comforts

I absolutely adore making Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice on busy weeknights when I crave comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce made from garlic, chicken broth, and a splash of heavy cream envelops the juicy chicken and fluffy rice, creating a dish that feels special yet uncomplicated. It comes together in just over thirty minutes, making it the perfect go-to for a hearty family meal that satisfies every palate.

Created by

Heidi Lawson

Last updated on 2026-02-10T16:05:36.015Z

When I first attempted this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice, I was amazed at how the simple ingredients transformed into such a rich and flavorful dish. The key is to simmer the garlic gently in butter before adding any liquids. This method brings out the sweetness of garlic while avoiding bitterness, resulting in a sauce that is incredibly delicious.

Another tip I discovered is to let the rice absorb the creamy sauce for a few minutes once it's cooked. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal that warms the soul. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!

Why You'll Love This Dish
Rich, creamy sauce that comforts your soul
Garlic flavor that elevates the entire dish
Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners

Getting the Right Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in your creamy garlic chicken largely depends on how you cook the chicken breasts. I recommend using a large skillet over medium-high heat to ensure even cooking. Look for golden brown edges when searing—this not only adds color but also enhances flavor. If you find that the chicken is browning too quickly but isn’t cooked through, reduce the heat slightly. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, so use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

The sauce's creaminess comes from the combination of heavy cream and chicken broth. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken stock or use a low-fat alternative like Greek yogurt. Just be careful when adding yogurt to avoid curdling. Simmer the sauce gently to retain its creamy texture and prevent it from separating.

Serving Suggestions

While this creamy garlic chicken is delicious on its own, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables to brighten the plate. Broccoli or green beans are great choices; their crunch provides a nice contrast to the creamy texture of the dish. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor that complements the garlic beautifully.

For those looking to elevate their dish further, serving it with a splash of white wine in the sauce can add complexity. Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, added after sautéing the garlic and before adding the broth, allowing it to reduce slightly. This will create a depth of flavor that pairs seamlessly with your creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delightful dish:

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups cooked rice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have your ingredients ready for a seamless cooking experience!

Instructions

Here's how to make the Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice:

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high 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. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it well with the garlic sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve with Rice

To serve, place a portion of cooked rice on a plate and top it with the creamy garlic chicken. Drizzle more sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your meal with a side salad or steamed vegetables!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the sauce for added nutrition and color. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you want to prepare this creamy garlic chicken ahead of time, cook the chicken and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or sauté it briefly in a skillet to maintain its moisture.

For longer storage, you can also freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. Allow them to cool before placing them in freezer-safe bags. This dish can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Freezing cooked rice separately ensures that your meal retains the best texture.

Common Troubleshooting

One common issue is a sauce that becomes too thick. If this happens, you can easily add a little more chicken broth or cream while simmering to reach your desired consistency. Stir continuously to incorporate the liquid. On the other hand, if your sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer a bit longer, which helps it thicken up naturally, or you can whisk a cornstarch slurry into the sauce to achieve a richer texture.

When reheating your chicken, ensure that it doesn't dry out. A low and slow approach works best; consider covering the dish with a lid or using a microwave cover to trap steam. Using a few drops of water can help maintain moisture during reheating as well.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and keep the dish moist.

→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Stir in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or peas when you add the chicken back into the pan.

→ Can leftovers be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the creamy chicken for up to 2 months. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.