Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice

Creamy Garlic Chicken over Buttered Rice and Roasted Broccoli is the perfect comfort meal that feels indulgent without being complicated. The juicy chicken in a rich, garlicky cream sauce served on a bed of buttery rice alongside crisp roasted broccoli makes for a satisfying dinner any night of the week. It combines familiar flavors with easy techniques to create a dish that’s both cozy and impressive.

I first made this during a chilly fall evening and the whole family was hooked instantly. It quickly became a go-to when I wanted something comforting yet elegant without a ton of fuss.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs: thighs give more juiciness while breasts are leaner either works well
• Olive oil: for searing the chicken choose extra virgin for the best flavor
• Butter: adds richness and helps create the creamy sauce use unsalted to control seasoning
• Fresh garlic, minced: fresh garlic offers bright aromatic flavor that pre-minced cannot match
• Heavy cream: creates the luscious base of the sauce pick a high quality brand for creaminess
• Chicken broth: adds savory depth to the sauce and keeps the rice flavorful homemade or low sodium preferred
• Parmesan cheese, grated: lends a subtle nutty and salty note to the sauce use freshly grated if possible
• Dried thyme or Italian seasoning: helps layer flavor in the chicken and sauce
• Long-grain white rice: cooks fluffy and light perfect for soaking up sauce
• Broccoli florets: roasting brings out sweetness and keeps a nice bite look for firm bright green heads
• Salt and black pepper: essential seasonings to enhance flavors
• Fresh parsley: brightens the finished dish with a fresh herbal note

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Rice:

Start by bringing 2 cups of chicken broth or water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in 1 cup of rice with a pinch of salt, then immediately reduce the heat to low and cover tightly. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid to keep the steam trapped. When done, remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter so the grains become glossy and silky. This buttery rice will soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.

Roast the Broccoli:

While the rice cooks, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss 2 cups of broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet for even roasting. Roast for about 15 to 18 minutes until tender and edges turn lightly browned. To make sure they roast evenly, give the pan a good shake halfway through. The roasting brings out a natural sweetness and keeps broccoli crisp rather than soggy.

Cook the Chicken:

Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and sear for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken to rest on a plate; resting keeps it juicy and tender. Avoid crowding the pan to get a nice crust on the chicken.

Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth, then stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens to a silky consistency that will coat the chicken. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Combine and Serve:

Return the chicken to the skillet and turn it in the creamy garlic sauce so each piece is well coated. Let it sit a minute or two to absorb the sauce flavors. Serve the chicken over the buttered rice with roasted broccoli on the side. Spoon extra sauce over the plate and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

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One of my favorite things about this dish is the creamy garlic sauce. It’s rich but not heavy and gives the chicken an irresistible silky coating. I still remember how the house smelled the first time I made this—it immediately felt like home and made every dinner feel special.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, slowly warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also freeze cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and substitute butter with a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy note. Brown rice or quinoa can be used instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients. If fresh broccoli isn’t available, frozen works too but may need less roasting time.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this meal with a crisp green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette for fresh brightness. Crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce. A light white wine or herbal iced tea complements the rich flavors beautifully and keeps the meal balanced.

Cultural and Historical Context

Creamy garlic chicken is inspired by Southern comfort food traditions which emphasize rich sauces and simple, satisfying ingredients. Buttered rice and roasted vegetables provide the perfect harmony of textures while keeping the meal wholesome and approachable. This style of cooking embraces the idea that even humble ingredients can create something memorable when treated with care and flavor in mind.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare components ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and rice a few hours before serving. Keep the sauce separate until ready to combine to preserve its creamy texture.

→ What’s the best way to roast broccoli for this dish?

Roast broccoli at 400°F until tender with slightly charred edges, about 15–18 minutes, tossing halfway through for even cooking and enhanced flavor.

→ How do I ensure tender, juicy chicken?

Dry the chicken well before seasoning and sear it in a hot skillet without overcrowding. Rest it briefly after cooking to retain juices.

→ Can the creamy garlic sauce be thickened if needed?

Yes, simmer it a little longer to reduce or gently whisk in a cornstarch slurry to achieve desired thickness.

→ Are there alternatives to buttered white rice?

Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice can be used, adjusting cooking times accordingly for a nutritious variation.

→ How to elevate the garlic sauce flavor?

Freshly minced garlic and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper enrich the sauce, while adding Parmesan just before serving adds a cheesy finish.