Creamy Garlic Chicken with Herbed Potatoes & Rice – A Comfort Food Feast
Introduction
Few dinners check all the boxes of comfort, flavor, and balance like Creamy Garlic Chicken with Herbed Potatoes and Rice. Imagine tender, golden chicken simmered in a velvety garlic cream sauce, paired with crispy roasted potatoes tossed in fragrant herbs, and served alongside fluffy rice. It’s rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying — the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
This dish is also versatile. You can serve it as a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy family Sunday meal, or even as a centerpiece when entertaining guests. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality at home: It tastes luxurious but is easy to prepare.
- Balanced meal: Protein from chicken, carbs from rice & potatoes, and healthy herbs.
- Customizable: You can add veggies, switch up the herbs, or make it lighter.
- Family-friendly: Creamy sauces and crispy potatoes are always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Garlic Chicken
- 1½ lbs (700g) chicken breast, cubed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Herbed Potatoes
- 1½ lbs (700g) golden potatoes, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Rice
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, toss the potato cubes with olive oil, thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken cubes seasoned with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice
- Rinse rice until water runs clear.
- In a saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil.
- Add rice, cover, and reduce heat to low.
- Cook for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and garnish with parsley.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
- Spoon rice onto a plate.
- Add creamy garlic chicken on top with plenty of sauce.
- Serve roasted potatoes on the side.
- Garnish with parsley and enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Add veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or peas blend beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Try different sides: Replace rice with couscous, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
- Protein swap: Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or even shrimp for a twist.
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Chicken
While this recipe is a full meal, you can pair it with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or baguette to mop up the sauce.
- A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the chicken with sauce for up to 2 months (note: cream sauces may slightly change texture).
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 640
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
Milk will work but the sauce won’t be as rich. You can thicken it with a teaspoon of flour or cream cheese.
Q: What’s the best rice for this recipe?
Jasmine and basmati rice work best for their fragrance and fluffy texture, but you can use any long-grain rice.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This dish scales well and is perfect for larger gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Chicken with Herbed Potatoes and Rice is a true all-in-one dinner. It’s creamy, garlicky, herby, and deeply comforting — yet simple enough to whip up on a busy evening. With every bite, you get tender chicken, a rich sauce, crispy potatoes, and fluffy rice, making it the ultimate comfort food feast.