Name: Grandmas Creamy Chicken Rice: 5 Secrets to Comforting Flavor
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade for a fresher taste); 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended); 1 cup milk (whole or low-fat); 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or your choice of mixed vegetables); 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter); 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning); Salt and pepper (to taste); Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Grandmas Creamy Chicken Rice is the ultimate comfort food that warms the heart and soul. Made with tender chicken, creamy soup, and rice, this dish embodies the love and care found in Grandma’s kitchen. The melding of flavors and textures creates a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings at home. Whether you are looking for a hearty meal or a way to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Grandmas Creamy Chicken Rice

This delightful dish has numerous reasons to fall in love with it. First, it’s a comforting chicken rice casserole that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. Second, it’s incredibly easy creamy chicken and rice to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Third, this recipe can be made in just one pot, saving you time on cleanup!

Additionally, Grandma’s creamy chicken and rice provides a great source of protein and can be customized with your favorite vegetables, making it a healthy choice. It’s also a family-friendly meal that even the pickiest eaters will love. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s no wonder why creamy chicken rice is such a popular dish!

Lastly, it’s gluten-free, catering to those with dietary restrictions while still being delicious. This dish showcases the best of American cuisine and is sure to please everyone at your dinner table.

Ingredients for Grandmas Creamy Chicken Rice

Gather these items:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade for a fresher taste)
1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
1 cup milk (whole or low-fat)
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or your choice of mixed vegetables)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

How to Make Grandmas Creamy Chicken Rice Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk. Mix well to combine.
Step 5: Season: Add the dried thyme and stir to incorporate the flavors.
Step 6: Return Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the frozen peas and carrots.
Step 7: Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Step 8: Check for Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 9: Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Grandmas Creamy Chicken Rice

Keep these in mind:

Use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option.
Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice to enhance nutrition.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, perfect for meal prep!
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Grandmas Creamy Chicken Rice

This dish can be served in various ways. Pair your creamy chicken rice for dinner with a fresh garden salad for a light meal. Alternatively, serve it with crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the creamy goodness. Another idea is to top it with some grated cheese for an extra rich chicken and rice dish.

How to Store and Reheat Grandmas Creamy Chicken Rice

To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up, as the rice will absorb the moisture when stored.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grandmas Creamy Chicken Rice

What’s the secret to perfect Grandmas Creamy Chicken Rice?

The key to the perfect creamy chicken rice recipe lies in not overcooking the rice. Keep an eye on the simmering process to ensure the rice absorbs just the right amount of liquid for that creamy texture.

Can I make Grandmas Creamy Chicken Rice ahead of time?

Absolutely! This hearty creamy chicken rice dish can be made ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Grandmas Creamy Chicken Rice?

Ensure to follow the cooking times closely, especially for the rice. Avoid using too much liquid, as this can make the dish soupy instead of creamy. Also, remember to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Variations of Grandmas Creamy Chicken Rice You Can Try

For a twist on the classic, try adding creamy chicken rice with mushrooms for earthy flavors. Another variation is creamy chicken rice with vegetables, incorporating your favorite seasonal veggies. You could even experiment with different spices to create unique flavors!

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes, or try making creamy potato soup for a comforting meal. If you’re interested in meal prep, consider our slow cooker Tuscan chicken recipe for an easy weeknight dinner.

Grandmas Creamy Chicken Rice: 5 Secrets to Comforting Flavor

Author: basmer
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Grandma’s Creamy Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish made with tender chicken, creamy soup, and rice.

Instructions

Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk. Mix well to combine.
Season: Add the dried thyme and stir to incorporate the flavors.
Return Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the frozen peas and carrots.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Check for Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.