If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and flavor-packed dinner that comes together in one pan, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Rice is exactly what you need. Juicy seasoned chicken, tender rice, rich cream, and melted cheese make this dish a guaranteed family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ One-pan meal – Easy cleanup and minimal dishes.
✅ Quick weeknight dinner – Ready in about 40 minutes.
✅ Creamy and cheesy – Made with mozzarella, Parmesan, and heavy cream.
✅ Family-friendly flavors – Mild herbs with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes.
✅ Great for leftovers – Reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.

Chicken breast cubes cooking in butter in a skillet with herbs

This recipe is perfect when you want something cozy and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tools

To make this creamy chicken and rice recipe, you’ll need:

Large skillet or deep sauté pan with lid
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

Optional:

Cheese grater (if using fresh Parmesan)
Oven-safe skillet (if broiling for melted cheese topping)

Adding long-grain white rice and chicken broth to the skillet with cooked chicken and sun-dried tomatoes

Ingredients & Prep

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 tbsp butter
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp thyme
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp minced garlic
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Dried parsley (optional garnish)

Prep Tips

Dice the chicken into small, even cubes for quicker, even cooking.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Chop sun-dried tomatoes finely to distribute flavor throughout the dish.

How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt.

Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nearly cooked through.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Rice

Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 3: Simmer

Cover the skillet with a lid. Once the mixture begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low.

Let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Stir in the heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until creamy and well combined.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Cover and let it sit on low heat until melted.
Alternatively, place the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden (watch carefully to avoid burning).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of dried parsley before serving.

Serve warm and enjoy!

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Storage

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Tip:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Add an extra ½ cup of broth and extend cooking time by about 15–20 minutes.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. Keep in mind that lower-fat options may result in a slightly thinner sauce.

What protein alternatives can I use?

This recipe works well with:

Boneless chicken thighs
Cooked turkey
Shrimp (add near the end of cooking)

Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add mild heat. You can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.

What can I serve with this?

This dish pairs well with:

A simple green salad
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Garlic bread

If you enjoyed this creamy chicken and rice recipe, consider saving it for your next meal plan. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Recipe