Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 cups mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup Arborio rice; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Feel-Good Plates

When I first tried making Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Rice, I was amazed by how simple ingredients could come together to create such a rich and comforting dish. The creaminess of the sauce combined with tender chicken and earthy mushrooms filled my kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. This dish quickly became a family favorite for its ability to please even the pickiest eaters. I love serving it on busy weeknights or for special occasions; it always delivers on flavor and satisfaction.

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2026-02-06T18:05:36.763Z

During my first attempt at this recipe, I learned the importance of using fresh mushrooms. Their flavor really elevates the dish, and I found that sautéing them first brings out their natural richness before adding the cream. The combination of flavors that comes from this technique truly makes a difference.

I also experimented with different types of rice, and found that using Arborio rice gave the dish an incredible creaminess. It absorbs the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is as luxurious as the last. Trust me, this is a meal you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy, dreamy sauce that coats each bite perfectly
A delightful combination of savory mushrooms and tender chicken
Quick enough for weeknights but special enough for guests

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

The key to achieving a rich, creamy sauce in this dish lies in the use of heavy cream and Arborio rice. Arborio rice, known for its high starch content, releases creaminess as it cooks, contributing to the overall texture. When combined with the heavy cream, the sauce develops a luxurious, velvety consistency that clings beautifully to the chicken and rice. Be careful not to rush the cooking process; allowing the rice to cook slowly ensures it absorbs the flavors from the broth and creates that desirable creaminess.

When adding the heavy cream, I recommend keeping the heat low to avoid curdling. You want to gently incorporate the cream into the dish, stirring until it’s fully merged with the broth and rice. This not only enhances the flavor but also ensures that the sauce remains smooth and glossy. If you notice the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of additional chicken broth to maintain the desired consistency.

Vegetable Variations

While mushrooms are the star of this recipe, feel free to customize the vegetables based on your personal preferences or what you have on hand. For a pop of color and added nutrients, consider incorporating spinach or kale during the final few minutes of cooking. These leafy greens wilt quickly and lend a fresh, vibrant touch that balances the richness of the dish.

Other excellent vegetable options include bell peppers or zucchini, which can be sautéed along with the onions. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly, as these vegetables cook faster than mushrooms. If you want to keep it vegetarian, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, ensuring to adjust cooking times accordingly so that these protein sources are adequately heated and infused with the dish's flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the great things about Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice is that it can be made ahead and stored for later. To prepare in advance, follow the recipe up to the point of adding the heavy cream and cooked chicken. Cool the dish completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to ensure the dish doesn't dry out.

If you plan to freeze leftovers, I recommend dividing the portions into individual serving sizes. This not only makes thawing easier but also allows you to enjoy the dish at your convenience. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then heat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little more cream or broth to restore the dish's creamy texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 cup Arborio rice
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure you have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go for a seamless cooking experience.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Rice:

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until they are golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Cook the Mushrooms and Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are soft, around 5 minutes.

Combine Rice and Broth

Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Finish with Cream

Once the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stir in the heavy cream. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, mixing well to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.

Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness!

Now, enjoy your homemade Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Rice!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine before incorporating the chicken broth. It enhances the dish's richness and complexity.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve your Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad. This adds freshness and balances the richness of the dish. A simple lemon vinaigrette can brighten up a salad, enhancing the meal experience without overpowering the flavors of the chicken and rice.

If you're looking to elevate the dish for special occasions, consider pairing it with a nice white wine, such as a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc, both of which complement the creaminess beautifully. Alternatively, serving the dish in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan can add a touch of sophistication to your dinner table.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce turns out too thick, one quick fix is to gradually stir in additional chicken broth or cream until you reach the desired consistency. This is particularly helpful if the rice has absorbed too much liquid during cooking. On the flip side, if the dish is too watery, you can simmer it over medium heat for a few extra minutes, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate and thicken the sauce.

Make sure to monitor the cooking time of your chicken closely. If overcooked, it can become dry and tough. To keep it tender, aim for a golden brown color and a juicy interior, which typically takes 6-8 minutes of sautéing. If you're unsure, cut one piece in half to check for doneness; it should be opaque throughout without any pink.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is quite flexible, making it simple to scale up or down based on your needs. For larger gatherings, you can double the ingredient quantities while maintaining the same cooking technique. Just ensure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the increased volume, or consider using a Dutch oven to ensure even cooking.

Conversely, if you need a smaller portion, halve the ingredients. The cooking times should remain similar, but keep an eye on the rice and reduce simmering time slightly as needed. This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for both intimate dinners and larger meal prep.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of rice?

Yes, but be mindful of the cooking times. Longer grain rice may require additional liquid and cooking time.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version, but the texture might be less creamy.

→ Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead, then reheat gently over low heat before serving.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.