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 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 1 cup uncooked rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

Highlighted under: Classic Cozy Cooking

I absolutely love cozy one-pan meals, and this Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet is one of my favorites. It combines succulent chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice into a comforting dish that warms the soul. Not only is it simple to make, but it also comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Let me share how I make this delightful dinner that my family can't get enough of!

Created by

Violet Hart

Last updated on 2026-02-01T15:01:36.212Z

When I first tried making a creamy chicken skillet, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together. I sautéed the chicken to golden perfection, then added garlic and onions for a flavor boost. The moment I poured in the chicken broth and cream, the aroma filled my kitchen, wrapping me in a comforting embrace.

One key tip I learned is to let the rice simmer gently in the creamy sauce instead of adding it already cooked. This allows the rice to absorb all the rich flavors, creating a truly delicious dish! Trust me; your family will be asking for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
One-pan meal for easy cleanup
Rich and creamy texture that satisfies
Customizable with your favorite veggies
Quick and easy for busy weeknights

The Role of Creaminess

The heavy cream in this recipe is essential for achieving that rich, luxurious texture that makes each bite so comforting. It not only gives the dish its creamy consistency but also balances the flavors of the chicken and broth. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider substituting half and half, which will still deliver some creaminess without being too heavy. However, keep in mind that using lighter dairy will alter the texture slightly, making it less dense.

When incorporating the cream, be sure to add it after reaching a gentle boil with the broth. This step allows it to warm gradually, preventing curdling. Stir it in slowly, watching for a glossy finish that indicates it's well-mixed, enhancing the overall flavor without any graininess.

Perfecting Your Chicken

Cooking the chicken properly is crucial for flavor and texture. Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken; a medium-high heat should suffice. You want to hear a sizzle when the chicken hits the pan. This initial browning allows for the development of a savory crust that enhances the dish's depth when combined with the creamy sauce. If the chicken releases too much moisture, it may end up steaming instead of browning, so keep an eye out for that.

If you're working with frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely to avoid uneven cooking. Cube the chicken into uniform pieces of about 1-inch, ensuring even cooking throughout the process. This way, the chicken cooks thoroughly within about 5-7 minutes while remaining juicy and tender.

Customizing Your Skillet

One of the beautiful aspects of the Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet is its flexibility. Feel free to substitute different vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For a heartier version, add diced bell peppers or spinach. These ingredients not only contribute additional nutrients but also a pop of color that makes the dish visually appealing.

Herbs and spices can transform your skillet. Try adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, paprika, or even a dash of cayenne for a kick. I often experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving, which adds freshness and elevates the dish's flavor profile without much effort. Remember to adjust seasonings according to your taste as you incorporate these extras.

Ingredients

For the Skillet

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen peas and carrots

This dish is delicious on its own, but feel free to add in your preferred seasonings or vegetables!

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

Add Rice and Liquid

Stir in the uncooked rice, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.

Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Finish with Veggies

Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the veggies are heated through.

Serve

Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious creamy chicken rice skillet!

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or some crusty bread!

Pro Tips

For an extra creaminess, you can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end. This dish also reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet is delightful on its own, but pairing it with a simple side salad can create a more balanced meal. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish beautifully, offering a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creaminess. Try adding sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor.

For those looking to bulk up the meal, consider serving it with crusty bread on the side. A warm baguette or garlic bread can be perfect for soaking up the cream sauce left on the plate, enhancing your dining experience.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning to enjoy this meal later, it can easily be made ahead and stored. Prepare it completely, then let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating is straightforward; just add a splash of chicken broth or cream while warming to restore the creaminess that may have thickened during storage.

For longer storage, this dish can also be frozen. Portion it into individual servings and freeze them in airtight containers. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Adding a little extra cream during reheating can help revive its original luscious texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your rice ends up too crunchy after the cooking time, it may need additional liquid. Try adding a quarter cup of chicken broth and letting it simmer with the lid on for a few more minutes. Fluff the rice afterward to distribute the moisture evenly.

In case you find your dish too salty, balance it by stirring in a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream. This addition not only tones down the saltiness but also adds a pleasant tanginess to the creamy sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and increase the liquid, 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 like coconut cream for a lighter option.

→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish for up to three months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach based on your preference.