Creamy Chicken with Peas & Carrots over Rice is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dining table. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, showcasing tender chicken and vibrant veggies enveloped in a rich creamy sauce. Its versatility allows for easy adaptations, making it a go-to meal for families and guests alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Flavorful Delight: The combination of spices and cream creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken and vegetables.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh or frozen peas and carrots based on what you have at home, ensuring ingredient flexibility.
- Comforting Meal: Serve it over rice for a satisfying dish that warms the heart and soul.
- Easy Cleanup: One-pan cooking means less mess and more time enjoying your meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this amazing recipe, gather your essential tools to streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot for rice
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking, ensuring that your chicken browns perfectly while sautéing vegetables.
- Pot for rice: Using the right pot helps achieve fluffy rice without sticking or burning.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring sauces without scratching your cookware, allowing you to mix ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 400g chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Vegetables & Sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt & pepper
For the Rice
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- Chopped parsley
How to Make Creamy Chicken with Peas & Carrots over Rice
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Begin by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice along with a pinch of salt. Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering until the rice is fluffy, about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the rice cooks, season the cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then stir in diced carrots, cooking briefly until they start to soften.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Sprinkle in the curry powder and paprika while stirring continuously. Add tomato paste followed by chicken stock and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer gently until slightly thickened, around 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Peas
Return the browned chicken to the pan along with peas. Cook until everything is heated through and vegetables are tender.
Step 6: Serve Over Rice
Spoon generous portions of creamy chicken with peas and carrots over your fluffy basmati rice. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving to add freshness.
Enjoy this comforting dish as part of your mealtime repertoire!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken with Peas & Carrots over Rice
Serving creamy chicken with peas & carrots over rice is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few simple touches. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dish.
Add a Fresh Salad
- A garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes adds a refreshing crunch that complements the creamy texture of the main dish.
Garnish with Herbs
- Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top for an extra pop of color and flavor. This enhances both presentation and taste.
Pair with Naan Bread
- Warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy chicken and rice. It adds an enjoyable texture and can help soak up the delicious sauce.
Serve with Extra Vegetables
- Consider adding steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach on the side. This boosts the nutritional value and adds more vibrant colors to your plate.
Drizzle with Chili Sauce
- A light drizzle of chili sauce can introduce a spicy kick, balancing the creaminess of the dish. Adjust according to your spice preference!
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken with Peas & Carrots over Rice
Perfecting this dish involves attention to detail in both cooking technique and ingredient selection. Here are some tips to elevate your recipe.
Use high-quality chicken: Choosing fresh, organic chicken breast enhances the flavor and juiciness of your creamy chicken dish.
Adjust seasoning: Taste as you cook! Adjust salt, pepper, and spices as needed throughout the cooking process for optimal flavor.
Ensure proper simmering: Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly; this creates a rich texture that clings wonderfully to the chicken.
Incorporate seasonal vegetables: Consider using seasonal vegetables for added freshness and flavor. This keeps your meal vibrant and nutritious.
Experiment with herbs: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary can provide an aromatic depth that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken with Peas & Carrots over Rice
Pairing side dishes with creamy chicken adds variety and balance to your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread makes a great accompaniment, perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus offers a healthy contrast in texture and flavor.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with diced vegetables provides a nutritious boost alongside your main dish.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw balances well against the creaminess while providing a tangy burst of flavor.
- Steamed Green Beans: Simple steamed green beans add color and nutrients without overwhelming flavors.
- Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt-based dip enhances spiciness if you choose to add chili sauce, making it a perfect pairing!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be tricky, and it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making Creamy Chicken with Peas & Carrots over Rice.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Always ensure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Keep an eye on the peas and carrots as they can become mushy if cooked too long. Add them towards the end of cooking for the best texture.
- Using the wrong rice: Basmati rice works best for this dish. Avoid using short-grain rice, as it may turn sticky rather than fluffy.
- Not seasoning properly: Be generous with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process. Taste as you go to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
- Skipping the simmering step: Allowing the sauce to simmer is crucial for thickening. Don’t rush this step; it enhances the flavors and texture of your dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Creamy Chicken with Peas & Carrots over Rice
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Creamy Chicken with Peas & Carrots over Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and bake until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pan, adding a splash of chicken stock if it’s too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Creamy Chicken with Peas & Carrots over Rice.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or lamb. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on your choice.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can replace heavy cream with coconut milk or any plant-based cream alternative for a creamy texture without dairy.
What can I serve with Creamy Chicken with Peas & Carrots over Rice?
Serve it alongside naan bread or a simple green salad to complement the flavors of the dish.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken with Peas & Carrots over Rice is not only delicious but also highly customizable. You can easily adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re making it for dinner or meal prep, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table!
Creamy Chicken with Peas & Carrots over Rice
Creamy Chicken with Peas & Carrots over Rice is a comforting and delicious dish that brings warmth to your dining table. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken simmered with vibrant peas and carrots in a rich, creamy sauce, all served over fluffy basmati rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this meal is not only satisfying but also allows for ingredient flexibility, making it a family favorite. With just 15 minutes of preparation and the convenience of one-pan cooking, you can enjoy this delightful dish without the hassle.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 400g chicken breast (cubed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- Pinch of salt
- Salt & pepper
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse basmati rice under cold water until clear. In a pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil, add rice and salt, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy.
- Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the chicken on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent (2-3 minutes). Add diced carrots and cook briefly.
- Stir in curry powder and paprika, then add tomato paste, chicken stock, and heavy cream. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet along with peas, cooking until heated through.
- Serve the creamy chicken mixture over rice, garnished with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute other proteins like turkey or beef. For a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with coconut milk. Add seasonal vegetables for extra nutrition.