Description
This creamy chicken and rice recipe is a comforting one-pot dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces cooked with flavorful rice, cheddar cheese, and a touch of sour cream. It’s perfect for a hearty family dinner and can be easily customized with peas or rotisserie chicken for added convenience and taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Pantry Staples
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and no longer pink in the center, about 5 to 6 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, followed by the chicken broth, milk (or half-and-half), dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until the dish is creamy and the cheese has melted completely.
- Add Peas and Finish: If using, add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, substitute part of the chicken broth with white wine.
- Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add a different texture.
- Brown rice can be used instead of white rice, but increase cooking time and add extra liquid accordingly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using salted broth or pre-seasoned chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
