Creamy Garlic Chicken with Herbed Potatoes & Fluffy Rice Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Servings: 2 Calories per Serving: ~650 kcal. Look, if you’re anything like me, weeknights can be a bit of a scramble. I mean, who has the time to whip up a gourmet meal after a long day? But here’s the thing: cooking doesn’t have to be an ordeal filled with complicated techniques and rare ingredients. I’ve been there, staring at a pile of veggies and asking myself, “What do I even do with this?”
I stumbled upon this recipe for Creamy Garlic Chicken with Herbed Potatoes & Fluffy Rice during one of my late-night cooking experiments when I was trying to figure out how to make chicken not just edible but genuinely delicious, without breaking the bank. The first time I made it, I was shocked at how the simple combination of ingredients turned into something that felt like a hug in a bowl. It’s a dish that works for busy people, budget-conscious cooks, and those of us who just want something that tastes good without a lot of fuss.
So, whether you’re cooking for one or two, this recipe is perfect. It’s got that creamy, garlicky goodness that makes you feel like you’ve achieved something special, even if you’re just in your tiny kitchen. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep and about 35 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready in no time.
- Flavor-Packed: The creamy garlic sauce combined with the herbed potatoes and fluffy rice makes for a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Using basic ingredients that are often on hand, this recipe won’t break the bank.
- Versatile: Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing a friend without a lot of stress.
- Healthy Balance: You get protein from the chicken, carbs from the rice and potatoes, and a delightful mix of flavors without any added preservatives.
Honestly, if you’re just starting out in the kitchen or looking to make something that’s both comforting and easy, this dish is a winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
Now, let’s be real for a second. You could easily swap the chicken for turkey or even a plant-based alternative if you want to keep it lighter or vegetarian. The heavy cream can be replaced with a lighter cream or even a plant-based option if you’re feeling adventurous. I’ve learned that cooking is all about experimenting with what you have on hand, so don’t stress too much about finding the exact ingredients.
Let’s Get Started
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This is essential for getting those potatoes nice and crispy. While that’s heating up, toss the diced potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, dried rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You want to make sure they’re well-coated so that they roast beautifully. Spread them out on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Set a timer for about 25–30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add 1 cup of white rice and a pinch of salt. Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This is where I always remind myself to keep an eye on it. You don’t want it to boil over!
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
While the rice is cooking, grab a pan and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken breasts. You want to sear them for about 5–6 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This is such a satisfying moment – the sizzle and the smell are just incredible. Once they’re done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same pan (don’t wash it, those bits add flavor!), add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir it all together until it thickens slightly. Here’s the key: season the sauce with paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Then, return the chicken to the pan, making sure it’s well-coated in that luscious sauce.
Step 5: Plate It Up
Now it’s all about assembly. Grab a plate and start with a scoop of that fluffy rice. Top it with those herbed potatoes, and then add the creamy garlic chicken right on top. Don’t forget to drizzle any extra sauce over everything. Honestly, this step is a game-changer. It makes everything look so fancy!
Creative Section Name for Finishing Steps
Look, this dish is almost done, and you’re going to feel like a rock star!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you want to elevate the dish even more, consider garnishing with some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika on top. It adds a pop of color and makes you look like you really put in the effort.
Step 7: Enjoy the Moment
Take a moment to appreciate what you’ve just created. Sit down, enjoy your meal, and feel proud. This is your time to savor the flavors and relax.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken with Herbed Potatoes & Fluffy Rice
- Don’t rush the sear: Let the chicken get that nice golden color; it adds depth to the flavor.
- Adjust the cream: If you want a lighter version, swap out some of the heavy cream for more broth.
- Use fresh herbs: If you have any fresh thyme or rosemary on hand, use them instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
- Make extra sauce: Nobody ever complained about having more sauce. If you’re a sauce lover like me, double the sauce ingredients.
- Leftover potatoes?: You can roast them ahead of time and use them in salads or as a side for another meal.
Storage Tips
So, if you end up with leftovers (which I often do), here’s how to store them. Let the chicken and potatoes cool completely before putting them in an airtight container. They should be good for about 3 days in the fridge. Just a heads up, the rice might get a bit sticky, but a splash of water and a quick microwave will fix that right up.
If you’re living alone or with roommates, I recommend meal prepping this dish – it’s great for lunches or quick dinners later in the week!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier, so they’d work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk. Just know that it might change the flavor a bit.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure! Swap the chicken for mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Just be mindful of cooking times for the alternatives.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should be at an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part; it should be white, not pink.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure you have a pan large enough to accommodate everything, or cook it in batches.
What sides go well with this dish?
Honestly, a simple salad or steamed veggies would complement this nicely. You really can’t go wrong!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Delight with Herbed Potatoes & Fluffy Rice
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, dried rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast the potatoes in the oven for 25–30 minutes until they are golden and tender.
- In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the white rice and a pinch of salt, cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is fluffy.
- In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute. Then, add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is slightly thickened. Season the sauce with paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Return the chicken to the pan and coat it well with the creamy garlic sauce.
- To serve, plate the fluffy rice, top it with the roasted potatoes, and then add the creamy garlic chicken. Drizzle any extra sauce over the top for added flavor.