-----

Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice

lorem

A close-up of tender, shredded chicken mixed with fluffy, seasoned rice in a bowl.

Table of Contents

Facebook
Pinterest

A comforting classic! Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice combines shredded chicken, brown rice, butter, and evaporated milk for a creamy, wholesome dish.

Pin this Recipe

I can’t talk about Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice without instantly being transported to my grandma’s kitchen. You know, the kind of kitchen that always smells like something amazing is simmering on the stove? This dish was her go-to for family dinners, church potlucks, and, honestly, anytime she wanted to make us feel loved.

I remember watching her, apron tied snugly around her waist, adding a pinch of this and a dollop of that—no recipe in sight, of course. When I asked her how she made it so perfect every time, she’d just chuckle and say, “It’s all about cooking with love, sweetheart.”

It wasn’t until I tried making it myself that I realized she was onto something. There’s a simple magic in the way the flavors come together. It’s not fussy or fancy—it’s just real, honest food that makes you feel good. And isn’t that what comfort food is all about?

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice Recipe?

  • Timeless Comfort: A dish that’s been passed down through generations for a reason—it’s simply delicious.
  • Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff, just the basics that are probably already in your kitchen.
  • Creamy and Hearty: The evaporated milk and butter give it a richness that’s hard to beat.
  • Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or a side, and easy to tweak to suit your tastes.

A close-up of tender, shredded chicken mixed with fluffy, seasoned rice in a bowl.

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so special:

  • Brown Rice: It adds a nutty depth, but white rice works in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time.
  • Chicken Broth: Homemade is best, but store-bought gets the job done. It’s what gives the rice that extra oomph of flavor.
  • Shredded Chicken: The heart of the dish. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut if you’re in a hurry.
  • Butter: A little indulgence that brings everything together.
  • Evaporated Milk: The secret to the creamy texture without the heaviness of cream.

Plate of classic chicken and rice garnished with fresh herbs, ready to serve.

How To Make Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice?

This recipe is as straightforward as it gets. Here’s how to make it step by step:

Step 1. Cook the Chicken
Start by covering the chicken breasts with water in a large pot. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for 30–45 minutes until fully cooked. Once done, set the chicken aside to cool before shredding it into small pieces.

Step 2. Prepare the Rice
While the chicken is cooling, cook your rice. Use 5 cups of the broth from the chicken (or supplement with water if needed). Add a bit of salt and bring everything to a boil. Then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer until all the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3. Combine Everything
Now for the fun part! Stir the shredded chicken, butter, salt, pepper, and evaporated milk into the cooked rice. Mix it all together until the flavors meld and the rice gets that creamy, irresistible texture.

Step 4. Simmer and Serve
Let everything cook on low heat for a few more minutes to let the flavors really shine. Serve it hot and enjoy the cozy vibes.

Want To Save This Recipe?

Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox.

A homestyle bowl of chicken and rice with hints of celery and fresh herbs for a comforting meal.

Storage Options:

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating Tip: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring back the creaminess.

Variations and Substitutions:

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity!

  • Rice Options: Swap brown rice for white rice, jasmine rice, or even wild rice for a twist.
  • Protein Variations: Try turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even shrimp for something different.
  • Vegetables: Add peas, carrots, or mushrooms for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
  • Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of evaporated milk and olive oil instead of butter.

A homestyle bowl of chicken and rice with hints of celery and fresh herbs for a comforting meal.

What to Serve with Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice?

This dish is filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are some ideas:

  • Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots are great options.
  • Fresh Salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness.
  • Warm Bread: Crusty bread or biscuits are perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Absolutely. White rice cooks faster and has a softer texture. Just keep an eye on the broth-to-rice ratio.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Good news—it already is! Just make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Can I add cheese to this dish?

Of course! A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top adds a nice touch.

There you have it—Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice, a recipe that feels like a warm hug from grandma. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for bringing people together around the table. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!

Side view of a warm serving of chicken and rice showcasing the rich texture and golden-brown chicken pieces.

<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Pin it now

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

A homestyle bowl of chicken and rice with hints of celery and fresh herbs for a comforting meal.

Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
A timeless comfort food featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy rice cooked in flavorful broth, and a touch of evaporated milk for a rich finish. Simple, hearty, and perfect for any meal.
8 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups brown rice
  • 5 cups chicken broth reserved from cooking the chicken or water
  • 3 chicken breasts approximately 5 cups shredded
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tablespoon black pepper adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 can 12 ounces evaporated milk

Instructions
 

Cook the Chicken

  1. Place the chicken breasts in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30–45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken from the water and set aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the Rice

  1. In the same pot or a separate one, combine the brown rice, 5 cups of the reserved chicken broth (or supplement with water if needed), and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, approximately 35–40 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

  1. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the shredded chicken, butter, additional salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.

Add Creaminess

  1. Pour the evaporated milk over the rice mixture, stirring gently until fully combined. Allow the mixture to cook on low heat for an additional 5–10 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together.

Serve

  1. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure the chicken broth you use is certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. Substitute brown rice with certified gluten-free white rice or another rice variety for a slightly different texture.
Bitty
Facebook
Pinterest

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

This site contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission.

Related Categories

Subscribe for email updates

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




< Hi, I'm Bitty! >

I'm Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my "About Me" page for more info!

< Search Recipes >

Join our community of over 1+ million on social media!

Don't Miss A Recipe! >

Subscribe for email updates

< Must-Try Recipes >

Tasty Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake Recipe

Delicious Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls – Perfect for Any Occasion!

Queso Mac and Cheese Taco Beef Casserole

Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Butter Swim Biscuits