This flavorful chicken with creamy rice is a delightful and satisfying meal, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
The chicken is marinated in a tangy and savory mixture of orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and spices, giving it a vibrant and aromatic profile.
Paired with creamy, flavorful rice, this dish becomes a complete comfort meal with a burst of fresh flavors.
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade:
-1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
-1/4 cup orange juice
-2 tablespoons lime juice
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-3 garlic cloves, minced
-1 teaspoon ground cumin
-1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-1/2 teaspoon chili powder
-1/2 teaspoon oregano
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the creamy rice:
-1 cup long-grain white rice
-2 cups chicken broth
-1/2 cup heavy cream
-1/4 cup sour cream
-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Begin by preparing the chicken marinade. In a bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil.
minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Stir well to combine the ingredients into a smooth marinade. Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into a large.
resealable bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken.
While the chicken is marinating, start preparing the creamy rice. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium heat.
Add the rice to the broth, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pan. Let the rice cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Once the rice is cooked, add the heavy cream, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
Stir everything together, allowing the cream to fully incorporate into the rice, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Keep the rice on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully heated through and creamy.
Next, cook the marinated chicken. You can either grill the chicken over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side or cook it in a skillet on the stove.
If using a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
To serve, spoon a generous portion of the creamy rice onto each plate and top it with slices of the grilled or pan-cooked chicken.
The combination of the juicy, flavorful chicken and the rich, creamy rice creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Tips
For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if possible. This allows the spices and citrus to penetrate the meat more deeply, making the chicken even more flavorful and tender.
You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer leaner meat, though thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful when grilled or pan-seared.
If you’re looking to add more vegetables to this dish, consider stirring in some sautéed spinach, peas, or corn to the creamy rice for added texture and nutrition.
If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor that still provides creaminess to the rice.
To make the chicken even more flavorful, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
for an extra kick, or top the cooked chicken with fresh cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor.
If you prefer a vegan or vegetarian version of this dish, substitute the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for the rice.
For an extra touch of richness, top the finished dish with a sprinkle of grated cheese like parmesan or a dollop of extra sour cream, making it even more indulgent.
Conclusion
This chicken with creamy rice is an indulgent yet easy-to-make dish that combines vibrant citrus flavors and rich, creamy textures.
The marinated chicken is full of bold spices, while the creamy rice perfectly complements it, offering a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful and comforting meal that everyone will love.