Print

Creamy Budget Chicken and Rice Delight

creamy budget chicken and rice delight - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and creamy chicken and rice dish made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients, perfect for families and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice (basmati optional)
  • 2 ½ cups (600 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil or butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Chop the onion finely, mince the garlic, and cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized 1-inch cubes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink on the outside, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking with the rice.
  4. Stir in the rice, thyme, and parsley. Coat the rice in the oil and chicken juices for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
  5. Slowly add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
  7. Remove the lid and check the rice. If needed, add a splash of broth and cook uncovered for a few more minutes.
  8. Stir in the shredded cheese and lemon zest (if using) until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

[‘Use room temperature chicken and cream to prevent curdling.’, ‘Do not rush the simmer; keep heat low and cover tightly to trap steam.’, ‘Toast the rice lightly in oil before adding liquids for better texture and flavor.’, ‘Add cheese off the heat to keep sauce silky smooth.’, ‘Season gradually as broth and cheese contain salt.’, ‘Slightly undercook chicken during sauté to keep it juicy.’, ‘For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and cheese with nutritional yeast.’, ‘For gluten-free, ensure broth is certified gluten-free.’, ‘Variations include adding vegetables, using cauliflower rice for low-carb, or adding spices for heat.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and rice, creamy chicken recipe, budget meals, easy dinner, family meal, quick chicken recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/creamy-budget-chicken-and-rice-delight-easy-homemade-recipe-for-families/