Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken With Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, cubed; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Classic Cozy Cooking

I absolutely love making Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice, especially on busy weeknights when I crave comfort food. This dish combines tender chicken pieces, sautéed garlic, and a luscious cream sauce, all served atop fluffy rice. The wonderful aroma that fills my kitchen while it simmers is just heavenly. Every bite is a delicious reminder that simple ingredients can create something truly indulgent. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it the perfect meal for my family when we want a taste of luxury without the fuss.

Created by

Violet Hart

Last updated on 2026-02-15T03:41:36.006Z

When I first tried making Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The combination of garlic, cream, and juicy chicken is nothing short of addictive. I love to let the garlic sauté until it's just golden to bring out its rich flavor without burning it, which makes all the difference in the final sauce.

One tip I've learned is to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese; it melts beautifully and adds that extra depth of flavor. Plus, this dish is perfect for impressing guests while remaining easy to whip up—a true win-win!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Irresistibly creamy sauce that's packed with garlicky flavor
Quick and easy meal that's perfect for weeknights
Pairs wonderfully with a side salad for a complete meal

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to a great Creamy Garlic Chicken is in choosing high-quality chicken breast. Opt for fresh, organic chicken if possible, as it will yield a juicier and more flavorful dish. Cubing the chicken into uniform pieces helps ensure even cooking, achieving that lovely golden crust on every side. When seasoning, don't be shy with the salt and pepper — they enhance the overall flavor profile and bring out the richness of the cream sauce.

Garlic is the star of this recipe, so using fresh cloves is essential. Minced garlic should be sautéed until fragrant but not browned; otherwise, it can become bitter and overpower the dish. Additionally, heavy cream is what makes this sauce rich and indulgent. If you're looking for a lighter option, try substituting half-and-half, but be prepared for a thinner consistency.

Cooking Technique Insights

When preparing the creamy sauce, it's crucial to control the heat. Start with medium heat to allow the garlic to sauté properly before adding the chicken broth. Once the broth is added, bring it to a gentle simmer to prevent the cream from curdling. Stir continuously as you add the heavy cream to create a smooth, glossy texture. If the sauce seems too thin after simmering, you can gradually incorporate a cornstarch slurry — which is made by mixing cornstarch with a little cold water — to thicken it further.

Combining the cooked chicken with the sauce allows the proteins to absorb the garlic and cream flavors. A brief additional cook time of 3-5 minutes allows the dish to come together beautifully. Serve this over the rice as a base, allowing it to soak in the creamy sauce, which makes every bite decadent. I often suggest keeping the rice slightly al dente for added texture against the creaminess.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make a delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice:

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, cubed
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup long-grain rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure all ingredients are fresh and ready for a delightful cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice:

Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and let it thicken for about 5-7 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Combine the Ingredients

Return the chicken to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Let it cook together for another 3-5 minutes so the flavors meld.

Cook the Rice

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice according to the package instructions in a separate pot.

Serve

Serve the creamy garlic chicken over the rice, garnished with chopped parsley. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Enjoy your Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice hot for the best taste experience!

Pro Tips

For an extra hint of flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy texture will actually deepen in flavor, making it an excellent option for meal prep. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce's consistency and creaminess.

Freezing this dish is possible, though the texture might change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, store the sauce and chicken separately from the rice. This will prevent the rice from becoming mushy. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and again, you may want to add some liquid to help restore the creamy texture.

Serve and Pairing Suggestions

For a complete meal, pair the Creamy Garlic Chicken with a light side salad. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette contrasts beautifully with the richness of the dish. Consider adding seasonal vegetables, as they can enhance both the visual appeal and the nutritional value. I also love serving it with steamed asparagus or a simple sauté of green beans tossed with lemon.

Variations of this dish can also be delightful. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms; simply sauté them alongside the garlic before adding the broth. This not only increases the dish's nutrition but also introduces additional flavors and textures. Experimenting with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary can elevate your creamy sauce further, adding aromatic complexity.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully and add extra juiciness to the dish!

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and reheat when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a crisp side salad for a balanced meal.

→ Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Absolutely! You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the oil for a lighter version.