If you’re looking for a dinner that feels cozy, tastes amazing, and doesn’t take a whole evening to make, this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice is the one. It’s rich, flavorful, and has that restaurant level vibe, but it’s cooked with simple everyday ingredients. Whether you’re making dinner for yourself or serving your family, this dish hits the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and comforting.
In this recipe, tender chicken pieces are coated in a smooth garlic infused sauce and paired with warm fluffy rice. The creamy texture, the garlic aroma, and the seasoning all come together to create a meal that feels fancy but is super easy to prepare. Let’s get into it.
Why This Meal Is Perfect for Dinner
Dinner should be relaxing, not stressful. This recipe stands out because:
- It’s filling and satisfying without needing tons of ingredients
- The creamy garlic sauce brings rich flavor with very little effort
- Chicken cooks quickly and stays tender
- Rice balances the dish and turns it into a complete meal
- Everything is ready in under an hour
- It’s beginner friendly but still feels impressive
When your day is busy and you need something comforting, this recipe gives you that cozy, homemade feeling while still being simple enough to cook anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into medium sized strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 5 to 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes [optional]
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rice
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start with the rice so everything finishes at the same time.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add it to a pot with water and salt. Cover it and let it cook on low heat until the rice becomes fluffy. Keep it aside.creamy garlic chicken
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Take your chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan. Place the chicken pieces in the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. They should turn golden brown and stay juicy inside.
Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same pan, melt a little butter and add the minced garlic. Cook it for one minute until you get that amazing garlic smell.
Now pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer. Add heavy cream, oregano, parsley, chili flakes, and mix everything well.
Let the sauce cook for a few minutes until it becomes slightly thick and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Coat the pieces nicely and let them simmer inside the sauce for 5 minutes so the flavor gets deep and rich.
Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve
Scoop some warm rice onto a plate and place the creamy garlic chicken on top. Pour extra sauce over it for that perfect restaurant look.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe for Dinner
Tips to Make It Even Better
- Use chicken thighs if you want extra tenderness
- Add mushrooms or spinach for more flavor
- If you like a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer
- For extra richness, add a spoon of cream cheese
- Want a lighter meal? Replace cream with milk and add a teaspoon of flour
Why This Recipe Works for Dinner
This meal checks all the boxes for a perfect dinner. It’s comforting, flavorful, satisfying, and looks impressive. The creaminess blends perfectly with the garlic, creating a mouthwatering dish that feels special but doesn’t require advanced cooking skills.
It’s also versatile. You can pair it with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even garlic bread based on what you like.
Nutrition Overview
Since this dish uses simple ingredients, it gives you a balanced dinner. Chicken provides protein, the creamy sauce adds richness, and rice gives energy. It’s a complete meal that keeps you full and happy.weeknight chicken recipe