Description
Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet is a hearty one-pan meal with juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a savory cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half/non-dairy)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp parsley (fresh or dried, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Rinse rice until water runs clear. Cook in chicken broth according to package directions. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 2–3 minutes, then garlic for 1 minute.
3. Season chicken with paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and 165°F. Remove and set aside.
4. Lower heat, pour in cream, and deglaze skillet. Simmer gently to thicken.
5. Optional: stir in peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Cook until heated.
6. Return chicken to skillet, simmer 5 minutes in sauce.
7. Serve chicken and sauce over rice. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or non-dairy alternatives.
Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
Make components ahead and reheat gently.
Use brown rice for a healthier base, adjusting cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg