Imagine a dish so creamy, so flavorful, and so irresistibly comforting that it transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary celebration. This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice recipe is your ticket to a meal that combines tender, golden-brown chicken with luxuriously rich, garlic-infused rice that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook looking for a foolproof dinner or a food enthusiast craving something extraordinary, this recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort meal that's both impressive and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and sear chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add long-grain rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the garlic and pan drippings. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. The rice will continue to absorb liquid during this time.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Optionally, add a sprinkle of additional black pepper.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in maximum flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and better browning of the chicken and rice.
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing step - 30-45 seconds is perfect to release its aromatic oils without burning.
- Toasting the rice before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and helps it absorb the creamy sauce more effectively.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and become perfectly tender.
- For extra richness, you can substitute part of the chicken broth with white wine or use a blend of heavy cream and half-and-half.
- Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 180mg
