How to make a creamy garlic sauce for chicken?

Start by sautéing minced garlic in melted butter over low heat to release its flavor. Add half & half or heavy cream and stir in shredded parmesan cheese until smooth. Keep the heat low to avoid curdling. For extra flavor, finish with a handful of fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley. This creamy garlic sauce pairs perfectly with seared chicken or as a base for a one-pot Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice dish.

What to add to chicken and rice to make it creamy?

To make chicken and rice creamy, stir in ingredients like half & half, cream cheese, or coconut cream. Parmesan or mozzarella also melt nicely into sauces, adding richness. For a healthier option, try unsweetened cashew cream or oat milk with a spoonful of nutritional yeast. Don't forget seasoning—garlic, paprika, and cumin can make a big difference in taste.

How to make Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice?

Sear seasoned chicken thighs until golden brown, then remove from the pan. In the same pan, sauté garlic in butter, then add half & half and cheese to form a creamy garlic sauce. Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer. Serve it over freshly cooked rice, or stir in the rice directly for a one-pan creamy garlic chicken and rice meal.

What to serve creamy garlic chicken with?

Creamy garlic chicken goes well with white rice, roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread. Add fresh toppings like lemon zest, chopped parsley, or red pepper flakes to balance the richness. It’s also great paired with a fresh green salad or sautéed greens for added texture and color.

Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice – The Best 20-Minute One-Pot Dinner

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice – One Pot, 20 Minutes, Full Comfort
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp cumin; 1 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., canola or avocado oil); 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup half & half; ¼ cup shredded parmesan; 12–20 sprigs cilantro, finely chopped (or substitute parsley); Cooked white rice, for serving

Description

This one-pan Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice is rich, savory, and ready in just 20 minutes. Juicy, seasoned chicken thighs simmer in a parmesan-garlic cream sauce, perfect for spooning over fluffy white rice. It’s the ultimate weeknight comfort meal—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp cumin

1 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., canola or avocado oil)

1 tbsp unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup half & half

¼ cup shredded parmesan

12–20 sprigs cilantro, finely chopped (or substitute parsley)

Cooked white rice, for serving

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Instructions

Season the Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin.

Sear the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp oil. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
Reduce heat to low. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute. Stir in half & half, then add parmesan and stir until melted and the sauce thickens.

Combine and Simmer
Return chicken (with juices) to the skillet. Simmer for 1–2 minutes in the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Serve
Spoon chicken and sauce over cooked rice. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 814
Sugar: 3g
Fat: 48g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 44g