Skillet Chicken & Rice

Skillet Chicken & Rice: A creamy, one-pan wonder that’s as comforting as a warm hug from Grandma!

Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmering in a creamy, garlicky sauce, nestled in a bed of perfectly seasoned rice. Every bite is buttery, rich, and filled with cozy flavors, with just the right sprinkle of herbs to make it pop. And the best part? It all comes together in one pan—so you get a hearty, homemade dinner without a mountain of dishes. Now that’s what I call a win-win, sugar!

Show a rustic cast-iron skillet filled with creamy chicken and rice, garnished with fresh herbs. Steam rising from the dish, with a serving spoon nestled in, ready for scooping. Cozy kitchen background with warm lighting.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter option)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional, but so good!)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Supplies Needed

• Large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Sear the Chicken
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer to a plate—don’t worry, it’ll finish cooking later!

Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds—just until fragrant.

Cook the Rice
Pour in the uncooked rice and stir for 1 minute, coating it in the buttery, garlicky goodness. Add the chicken broth, thyme, and paprika, then stir well. Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet.

Simmer to Perfection
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Add the Creamy Goodness
Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let everything sit for 5 minutes to thicken.

Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley, scoop onto plates, and serve warm!

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen it up.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked dish (without the cream) for up to 2 months. Add cream when reheating for a fresh, creamy finish.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor, swap boneless thighs for bone-in. Just increase the simmering time by 5-7 minutes.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Veggie Boost: Stir in peas, spinach, or mushrooms during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Variations

Garlic Butter Chicken & Rice: Skip the cream and add extra garlic butter at the end for a rich, garlicky finish.
Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice: Stir in the juice of half a lemon before serving for a bright, fresh flavor.
Cheesy Chicken & Rice: Swap the Parmesan for shredded cheddar for extra cheesiness.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes! Just increase the broth to 2 1/2 cups and simmer for 35-40 minutes instead.

How do I keep my rice from getting mushy?
Make sure to simmer on low and avoid stirring too much while it cooks—this helps keep the grains fluffy.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for more olive oil and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

This Skillet Chicken & Rice is comfort food at its finest—simple, creamy, and packed with flavor. Plus, with just one pan, you get all the home-cooked goodness without the kitchen chaos. Give it a try and let me know—do you love a creamy finish or prefer it straight-up buttery?

Disclosure: Y’all, this post may contain affiliate links. That means I might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through one of ‘em. Keeps the butter meltin’ and the rice simmerin’—thank ya kindly!