Quick Skillet Creamy Chicken and Rice – 30 Minute Dinner

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready for a comforting meal that feels like home, yet fits perfectly into a busy evening?

When the day has been long and everyone is hungry, there’s something deeply reassuring about a warm skillet bubbling gently on the stove. This Quick Skillet Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe is inspired by traditional home cooking—simple ingredients, honest flavors, and a method that has been trusted for generations. 🍗🍚 It’s the kind of dish many of us grew up with, where chicken, rice, and a creamy sauce came together in one pan, filling the kitchen with a cozy aroma that signaled dinner was almost ready.

What makes this recipe special is its balance. It respects old-fashioned comfort food while embracing modern practicality. Everything cooks in a single skillet, saving time, effort, and cleanup—because good food should bring peace, not stress. The rice absorbs the savory chicken broth, the chicken stays tender and juicy, and the cream ties it all together into a silky, satisfying bite. ✨

This is a dish meant to be shared, whether around a busy family table or enjoyed quietly after a long day. It’s nourishing, filling, and made with love—the kind of meal that reminds us why home cooking still matters. So grab your skillet, take a deep breath, and let’s cook something truly comforting together. 😊

Ingredients 🛒

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth (warm)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)

Seasonings and Finishing Touches:

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿

Step-by-Step Directions 🍳

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and butter. Once melted and shimmering, add the chicken pieces.
2. Season the chicken lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden on the outside. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
5. Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it well with the oil and aromatics. This step helps build flavor into the rice itself.
6. Slowly pour in the warm chicken broth, stirring gently. Bring the mixture to a soft simmer.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low.
8. Let cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
9. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Allow the dish to simmer uncovered for 2–3 more minutes until creamy and smooth.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. 🍽️

Nutritional Information 🥗

This creamy chicken and rice skillet is designed to be hearty and nourishing. It provides a satisfying balance of protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the rice, and comforting fats from the cream and cheese. While rich and filling, it can easily be adjusted with lighter cream or extra vegetables to suit your family’s needs. Enjoy it as a wholesome dinner that keeps everyone full and happy. 💛

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️