Creamy Lemon Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy Lemon Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Food Recipes

I absolutely adore this Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice recipe! It's the perfect blend of zesty and rich flavors that come together in a comforting dish. The chicken is so tender and juicy, and the creamy sauce coats the rice beautifully, making every bite a delightful experience. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish has quickly become a weeknight favorite in our home. I love how the fresh lemon brightens up the creaminess, creating a stunning balance that keeps us coming back for more.

Created by

Abigail Moore

Last updated on 2026-02-01T22:41:36.272Z

When I first tried making this dish, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together. The combination of sautéed chicken with a zesty lemon sauce enveloping the rice was a revelation. I remember being nervous about whether it would turn out creamy enough, but the addition of cream and a little broth did the trick beautifully!

Over time, I've learned to adjust the lemon to suit my taste, so don't hesitate to experiment! A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or even dill can elevate the dish further, adding a bright finish that enhances the flavor and presentation. This recipe has become a go-to for family gatherings because it impresses everyone while being simple to prepare!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy sauce that complements the tender chicken
Zesty lemon flavor that brightens up your meal
Quick preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights
Comfort food that pleases both kids and adults

Understanding the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce in this recipe is integral to its overall flavor profile. Heavy cream is used to achieve that luscious texture that coats the rice beautifully, giving it a satisfying mouthfeel. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half and half; however, note it may alter the richness slightly. Adding the lemon juice and zest enhances the creaminess with a refreshing brightness that balances out the richness effectively.

When adding the cream to the skillet, make sure to stir it in gradually over low to medium heat. This prevents the cream from curdling, which can happen if the heat is too high. You'll know it's ready when it becomes glossy and creamy—this should typically take about 5 minutes of gentle simmering.

Perfecting the Rice

Long-grain rice works best in this dish as it cooks up fluffy and doesn't become mushy. When adding the rice to the chicken broth, make sure it's at a full boil before you cover it; this helps the rice absorb the flavors effectively. If you prefer brown rice for added nutrition, remember it will require more cooking time—approximately 30-35 minutes, so be prepared to adjust the chicken cooking time accordingly!

Be mindful when stirring the rice during the cooking process. Over-stirring can release too much starch, causing the rice to clump together rather than stay separate and fluffy. I like to give it a gentle shake with a fork just before serving to fluff it up nicely.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious meal:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have fresh lemon and herbs for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice:

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Rice

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, stir in the rice, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Once the rice is cooked, add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet and nestle it into the creamy rice. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy the creamy, zesty goodness!

Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings as needed!

Pro Tips

For an extra zing, feel free to add a splash of white wine when cooking the garlic before adding the broth.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice makes a wonderful base for additional toppings! Consider adding sautéed vegetables such as asparagus or spinach for extra color and nutrition. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful nuttiness that complements the lemon beautifully.

For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette to echo the citrus notes in the dish. This balance between the creamy rice and the brightness of a salad elevates the dining experience, making it feel more complete.

Make-Ahead and Storage

If you're prepping this dish ahead of time, cook the chicken and prepare the rice as instructed, but wait to add the cream until just before serving. This ensures the cream maintains its ideal consistency. You can store the assembled chicken and rice in the fridge for up to 3 days, but the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon reheating.

To reheat, do so gently on the stovetop with a splash of additional chicken broth or cream to help bring it back to its creamy state. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the dish unevenly heated and may affect the cream quality.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option, but it may alter the creaminess.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.