Cream of chicken and rice is a classic dish that is loved by many. It combines the rich and creamy flavors of chicken with the hearty texture of rice. This dish is not only delicious, but it is also incredibly easy to make. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, you will be able to whip up this tasty meal in no time.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it is important to gather all of your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
– 1 cup of uncooked rice
– 2 cups of chicken broth
– 1 cup of milk
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of cooked chicken, shredded
– Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Rice
The first step in making cream of chicken and rice is to prepare the rice. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove any excess starch. Then, add the rice and chicken broth to a medium-sized saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Allow the rice to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until all of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Create the Creamy Base
While the rice is cooking, it is time to create the creamy base for the dish. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour to the butter and whisk until it forms a smooth paste. This is called a roux and will help thicken the sauce. Cook the roux for about a minute, stirring constantly.
Add the Milk
After the roux has cooked for a minute, slowly add the milk to the saucepan. Continue whisking the mixture as you pour in the milk to ensure that no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently. Allow the sauce to thicken for about 5 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
Combine the Rice and Chicken
Once the rice is cooked and the sauce has thickened, it is time to combine the two. Add the cooked rice, shredded chicken, salt, and pepper to the saucepan with the creamy base. Stir gently to combine all of the ingredients. Make sure each grain of rice is coated in the creamy sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed throughout.
Simmer and Serve
With the rice and chicken combined, it is time to let the flavors meld together. Reduce the heat to low and let the cream of chicken and rice simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will allow the dish to thicken even more and the flavors to intensify.
Once the cream of chicken and rice has finished simmering, it is ready to be served. Spoon the dish into bowls or onto plates and garnish with your favorite herbs or additional shredded cheese if desired. This dish pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread.
Tips and Variations
– To add more flavor to your cream of chicken and rice, consider adding some chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, or peas.
– For a creamier texture, you can substitute some or all of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
– If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply increase the amount of butter and flour in the roux.
– Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavor of your cream of chicken and rice. Garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary can add a delicious twist.
– If you prefer to use leftover cooked chicken, simply skip the step of cooking the chicken and add the shredded chicken directly to the saucepan with the rice and sauce.