Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice is a comforting, flavorful, and filling meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pot dinner recipe combines tender chicken, fragrant garlic, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice all cooked together for maximum flavor with minimum effort. Moreover, this recipe is ideal for families who want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
In addition, this dish requires simple pantry ingredients and does not need any fancy cooking skills. As a result, even beginners can prepare it confidently.
Ingredients
For Chicken:
500 g boneless chicken (cut into medium pieces)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
For Cooking:
2 tablespoons cooking oil or butter
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
6 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Rice & Sauce:
1 cup basmati rice (washed and soaked 20 minutes)
2 cups chicken stock
½ cup fresh cream
2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First of all, season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well and keep it aside for 10 minutes. This step helps the chicken absorb flavor properly.
Step 2: Sauté the Base
Next, heat oil or butter in a deep pan. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. After that, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Now, add the seasoned chicken to the pan. Cook on medium heat until the chicken turns white and slightly golden from the outside. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Add Rice and Liquids
After the chicken is cooked, add soaked rice and mix gently. Then pour in chicken stock and bring it to a light boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
At this stage, add fresh cream and cream cheese. Stir gently so the rice does not break. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Final Touch
Finally, sprinkle Italian seasoning, cover again, and cook for another 5 minutes. Turn off the flame and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic chicken with rice tastes best when served hot. You can serve it with fresh salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. Additionally, a glass of lemon water or cold drink complements this meal perfectly.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container
Refrigerate for up to 2 days
Reheat on low heat with a splash of milk
Conclusion
In conclusion, Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice is a simple yet rich one-pot meal that saves time without compromising on taste. Whether you are cooking for family or guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Most importantly, it is comforting, filling, and extremely easy to prepare.