Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet

Name: Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 cup uncooked rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Homestyle Happiness

I absolutely love making this Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet, especially during busy weeknights when I crave something comforting yet easy to whip up. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice creates a delightful meal that the whole family enjoys. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, which means less cleanup for me! I sometimes add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a vibrant finish. This dish has quickly become a staple in our household, and I hope it will be in yours too!

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-01T22:25:36.248Z

I remember the first time I made this dish; the aroma of chicken and herbs filled the kitchen and made everyone eager to dig in. I experimented with incorporating a few secret ingredients, like garlic and a splash of lemon juice, which elevated the overall flavor profile. It’s incredible how simple components can come together to create something truly delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

An essential tip I learned is to let the rice absorb the creamy sauce completely before serving—it not only enhances the texture but also ensures that every grain is packed with flavor. I sometimes prepare a double batch to enjoy for leftovers; it reheats beautifully!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy and savory sauce that enhances every bite
One-pan meal for easy cooking and cleanup
Customizable with your favorite vegetables or spices

Ingredient Spotlight: Chicken and Rice

The chicken breast is the star of this dish, providing a lean protein that absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully. When diced, it cooks evenly and retains its juiciness, making each bite satisfying. Be sure to sauté the chicken until it’s golden brown on the outside to enhance the flavor profile—it should take about 5–7 minutes on medium heat. Choosing fresh chicken is essential for the best taste, but in a pinch, thawed frozen chicken works too.

The rice acts as a canvas for the creamy sauce and the seasonings, soaking up all the delicious flavors as it cooks. Long-grain white rice is preferred here because it remains fluffy and separate, ensuring you don’t end up with a gloppy dish. Avoid using instant rice; it simply won’t absorb the sauce properly, resulting in a less satisfying texture.

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

The heavy cream is what makes this dish rich and comforting. It not only provides a luscious texture but also balances the savoriness of the chicken broth and the flavors of the garlic and onion. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half and half or even Greek yogurt, though the latter may alter the consistency slightly. Just remember to stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling.

Simmering is crucial for melding all the flavors together. Make sure to reduce the heat and cover the skillet after adding the rice and liquids. This allows for gentle steam cooking, which is essential for achieving perfectly cooked rice and creamy sauce. A simmer should bubble softly, so adjust your heat accordingly—too high, and the rice may stick or burn, while too low may leave it undercooked.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish. You can also incorporate a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to elevate the flavors further with a hint of acidity. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to add some crunch and balance.

Feel free to customize the vegetables according to what you have on hand. Incorporating spinach, bell peppers, or carrots will add color and nutritional value to the skillet. Just remember to add heartier vegetables, like carrots, a bit earlier in the cooking process to ensure they’re tender by the meal's completion. Chopping them into small pieces allows for even cooking without affecting the rice texture.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

These ingredients come together for a rich, creamy dish that is just as comforting as it is quick to make.

Instructions

Sauté Chicken and Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Cook Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Combine Ingredients

Return the chicken to the skillet and add the rice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.

Simmer and Add Peas

Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through. Add the frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, fluff the rice, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

This dish is sure to impress and satisfy your loved ones.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving. You can also substitute brown rice for a healthier option, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Enjoy experimenting with additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prepping. You can cook the chicken and aromatics up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply add the rice and liquids, saving about 10 minutes of prep time and ensuring a delicious meal on busy days.

If you find yourself with leftovers, this dish reheats well. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water and warm it over low heat on the stovetop to prevent the rice from drying out. Microwaving is also an option, but be sure to cover it to keep moisture in.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up or down is quite straightforward. For a larger family gathering, simply double the ingredients, and the cooking times will remain roughly the same, though you may need a larger skillet or to cook in batches. A bigger batch allows for leftovers, which is always a win in my book.

For a smaller portion, you can technically halve the recipe; however, cooking times may vary slightly, especially with the simmering stage. Keep a close eye on the rice to ensure it cooks through without becoming mushy. Using a kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements will also help maintain the correct ratios.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook.

→ Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just cook it when you're ready to enjoy.

→ What can I serve with the creamy chicken rice skillet?

This dish is hearty on its own, but you can pair it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.