Delicious Easy Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet
Okay, let’s be real. Some weeknights feel like a marathon, right? You get home, the kids are hungry, and the last thing you want to do is spend an hour in the kitchen. That’s where my absolute go-to, this Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet, swoops in like a superhero! I discovered this gem when I was totally swamped and needed something that was *actually* easy but still tasted like a hug in a bowl. Seriously, one pan, minimal fuss, and a whole lot of deliciousness. It’s become a staple in my house for a reason!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet
Honestly, this dish is a lifesaver for so many reasons:
- It’s ridiculously easy – seriously, one pan!
- It’s super quick, perfect for those crazy weeknights.
- The flavor is just *chef’s kiss* – creamy, comforting, and totally family-approved.
- It’s a complete meal in one go, meaning less cleanup!
Quick Preparation for Busy Evenings
The best part about this recipe is how little time it takes to get dinner on the table. You’ll be amazed at how fast it comes together, with most of the work happening right in the skillet. Minimal chopping, minimal fuss!
Flavorful and Satisfying
Don’t let the simplicity fool you! This skillet is packed with incredible flavor. The chicken is tender, the rice is perfectly creamy, and the whole dish just tastes like pure comfort. It’s guaranteed to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
Gather Your Ingredients for Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet
Alright, let’s get cooking! For this amazing Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet, you’ll need just a few simple things you probably already have in your pantry. Trust me, the magic is in these basic ingredients coming together!
Chicken and Rice Staples
First up, we need about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just chop ’em up into bite-sized pieces – easy peasy. Then, grab one cup of uncooked white rice. Any regular white rice works great here!
Creamy Sauce Essentials
To get that dreamy, creamy texture, we’ll use two cups of chicken broth and half a cup of milk. You can totally use heavy cream if you want it extra rich, but milk works perfectly too!
Flavor Boosters and Seasonings
For that savory kick, we’ve got a tablespoon of olive oil to start, plus a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder. And of course, salt and pepper for taste! Don’t forget about a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese – it makes everything so much better. Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy, some chopped fresh parsley for garnish looks super pretty!
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet
Alright, let’s get this amazing Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet made! It’s really straightforward, so don’t stress. Just follow along, and you’ll have a fantastic meal in no time.
Browning the Chicken
First things first, grab a big skillet and get it nice and hot over medium-high heat with that tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces. Let them cook until they’re beautifully browned on all sides. Don’t worry if they aren’t cooked all the way through yet, we just want that nice sear. Once they’re browned, just scoop ’em out and set them aside for a bit.
Toasting the Rice
Now, into that same skillet, dump in your uncooked white rice. Give it a good stir for about a minute. You’ll see it start to look a little toasty. This step might seem small, but it really helps the rice soak up all those yummy flavors later on!
Creating the Creamy Base
Okay, time for the creamy magic! Pour in your chicken broth and milk – that’s two cups of broth and half a cup of milk. Give it a stir and bring it all up to a gentle boil. Now, stir in that grated Parmesan cheese and the garlic powder. Season it up with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste it here, you can adjust it now!
Simmering to Perfection
It’s almost done! Gently place your browned chicken back into the skillet with the rice and creamy liquid. Give everything a little stir. Then, turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on tight, and let it simmer away. You’re looking at about 15 to 20 minutes. The goal is for the rice to be perfectly tender and all that liquid to be happily absorbed. Just resist lifting the lid too much!
Tips for the Best Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet
You want this Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet to be absolutely perfect? I’ve got you! A few little tricks make all the difference between good and *great*.
Achieving Perfect Creaminess
The secret to that luscious, creamy texture is all about the liquid-to-rice ratio and letting it do its thing. Make sure you’re simmering on low heat with the lid on tight. This lets the rice cook through and absorb all that yummy liquid without drying out. For more tips on cooking rice, check out this guide to cooking perfect rice.
Customizing Your Skillet
This dish is so forgiving! Feel free to toss in some frozen peas or small broccoli florets during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering. They add a nice pop of color and extra goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet
Got questions about this quick and easy chicken and rice? I’ve got answers!
Can I use different types of rice?
You can totally try other types of rice, but white rice is best for this quick creamy chicken and rice skillet. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’d need to adjust the liquid and cooking time quite a bit. Stick with regular white rice for the best results!
How do I make it even creamier?
For an extra decadent, super creamy chicken and rice dish, swap out the milk for heavy cream! Just use the same amount. It makes a world of difference and feels so luxurious.
What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Oh, you can add so many things! Frozen peas are a classic and mix in beautifully. Small broccoli florets or even some chopped bell peppers would be delicious. Just toss them in during the last 10 minutes of simmering so they don’t get mushy.
Storing and Reheating Your Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet
Leftover Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet is honestly still delicious the next day! Just pop any extras into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should be good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the microwave works great – just heat it until it’s warmed through. If it seems a little thick, you can always stir in a tiny splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy goodness! For more dinner ideas, check out our other recipes.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just so you know, the nutritional info for this Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet is an estimate and can vary a bit depending on exactly what you use. But generally, one serving is around 450 calories, with about 35g of protein and 40g of carbs. It’s a pretty balanced meal! This one-pan lemon herb roasted chicken and vegetables is another great dinner option.
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Delicious Easy Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and satisfying one-pan meal featuring tender chicken and creamy rice, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas or broccoli.
- Ensure the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: easy chicken rice skillet, creamy chicken and rice, one pan chicken rice, quick chicken dinner, comfort food
