Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mushroom Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.2 kg chicken breast, cubed (1-inch); 300 g mushrooms, sliced; 250 g low-fat cream cheese, softened; 200 ml low-sodium chicken broth; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (day-old preferred); 1 tbsp olive oil; Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish; Optional: splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire for extra umami

Description

Tender chicken cubes, earthy mushrooms, and fluffy rice come together in a silky garlic-cream cheese sauce—all in one pan, in just 30 minutes. Quick, cozy, and packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or treating yourself to a fuss-free indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

1.2 kg chicken breast, cubed (1-inch)
300 g mushrooms, sliced
250 g low-fat cream cheese, softened
200 ml low-sodium chicken broth
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (day-old preferred)
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
Optional: splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire for extra umami

Instructions

1. Sauté Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle a pinch of salt to help it sweat.

2. Cook Chicken

Add cubed chicken in a single layer. Cook 5–7 minutes without stirring constantly until golden and cooked through. Deglaze with 1 tbsp broth if sticking.

3. Cook Mushrooms

Stir in mushrooms and cook 5–6 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Let excess liquid evaporate.

4. Build Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and simmer briefly. Reduce heat to medium-low, add cream cheese in dollops, and stir until silky (2 minutes). Smooth lumps with 1 tbsp hot broth at a time if needed.

5. Combine Rice

Add cooked rice and optional soy/Worcestershire. Fold gently until coated and heated through (2 minutes max). Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice.

6. Serve

Turn off heat, garnish with fresh herbs, and let rest 2 minutes to thicken. Serve directly from the skillet or in shallow bowls. Optional sides: crusty bread or a crisp salad.

Notes

Cream Cheese: Soften before adding to prevent lumps.
Mushrooms: Wipe clean, don’t rinse. Medium-high heat evaporates excess moisture.
Make Ahead: Use day-old rice; leftovers keep well 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.
Protein Swaps: Chicken thighs, shrimp (add last 3 minutes), or crispy tofu cubes.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream + nutritional yeast.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 540 kcal
Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Protein: 50 g