Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet

Name: Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 cup rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup vegetables (like peas or bell peppers), optional

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Classics

I absolutely love making this Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet on busy weeknights. It’s a one-pot dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich creamy sauce that makes my taste buds dance. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes! I often add some seasonal vegetables to the mix for a pop of color and extra nutrition, making it a wholesome and delicious meal the entire family enjoys. This is definitely a recipe I reach for when I’m short on time but still want to impress.

Created by

Piper Andrews

Last updated on 2026-02-01T21:29:37.291Z

Every time I make this Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet, I find myself amazed at how such simple ingredients can create such a luscious meal. One tip I've learned is to sear the chicken first for an extra depth of flavor, which makes the dish even more delightful. The creamy sauce is a blend of garlic, onion, and chicken broth, bringing everything together perfectly.

Another thing I love about this recipe is its versatility. I’ve experimented with different spices and vegetables, and each variation has turned out equally delicious! It’s perfect for using up any leftover veggies in the fridge, making zero waste and fabulous meals at the same time.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy, savory sauce that coats every grain of rice
One-pan convenience for easy cleanup
Customizable with your favorite veggies or spices
Perfectly cooked chicken that stays juicy and tender

Mastering the Skillet Technique

The key to a successful Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet lies in searing the chicken properly. Begin by ensuring your skillet is hot enough before adding the olive oil—look for a shimmer on the surface. This high heat helps develop a golden crust on the chicken, locking in moisture and flavor. Sautéing for 5-7 minutes usually does the trick, but always cut into a piece to confirm it’s no longer pink inside.

When cooking the onion and garlic, be mindful of your heat level. If it's too high, the garlic can burn and turn bitter. Instead, aim for medium heat, and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step builds a flavor base that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Customizing Your Dish

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what's in season. Broccoli, carrots, or spinach work wonderfully and add a splash of color. If you prefer a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture before simmering.

For those who wish to cater to dietary preferences, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option, which adds a subtle sweetness. Alternatively, for a lighter dish, swap white rice for brown rice, but be mindful that it will require additional cooking time—extend the simmer phase to ensure the rice is cooked through.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a quick and easy meal:

For the Skillet

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup vegetables (like peas or bell peppers), optional

Feel free to modify the vegetable selection based on what’s in season or available!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your meal:

Sear the Chicken

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

Cook the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice, ensuring it evenly mixes with the onion and garlic, followed by pouring in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Incorporate Cream and Chicken

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the seared chicken back to the skillet along with any seasonal vegetables you choose. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Enjoy this dish straight from the skillet or serve it up for a family-style meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try garnishing with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, this Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken when chilled. Microwave on medium power to ensure even heating, stirring occasionally.

For longer storage, consider freezing the skillet. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, but be aware that the texture may slightly change upon thawing.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but elevating it with a side salad can add a refreshing touch. Consider a simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette, which offsets the richness of the dish. Alternatively, serve with a crusty piece of bread for mopping up the creamy sauce.

For a touch of brightness, sprinkle fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, over the finished dish just before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh flavor contrast that balances the creaminess, making each bite even more delightful.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, though the texture may differ slightly.

→ Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?

For best results, prepare it fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free broth and rice, this dish can be made gluten-free.