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 breast, diced; 1 cup rice (long grain or jasmine); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Rustic Favorites

I absolutely love whipping up this Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet when I want a hearty meal that feels comforting yet is quick to prepare. It combines tender chicken with rice in a creamy sauce that bursts with flavor, all in one pan! The best part? It takes just 30 minutes from start to finish! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is perfect for any occasion, and it’s become a family favorite in our home.

Created by

Maeve Colchester

Last updated on 2026-01-24T12:15:35.268Z

When I first made this Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet, I was amazed at how simple and satisfying it was. The technique of cooking the chicken and rice together allows each ingredient to soak up the delicious flavors, creating a wonderful harmony of taste. I often add some vegetables like peas or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.

One of my favorite tips is to use a combination of chicken broth and cream, which gives the dish a rich texture without being overwhelming. It’s a great way to elevate a classic comfort dish while still keeping it approachable for busy weeknights.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and creamy texture that satisfies cravings
One-pan preparation for easy cleanup
Quick and effortless, perfect for busy evenings

      

Cooking for Busy Nights

When time is of the essence, this Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet shines as a 30-minute meal. To maximize efficiency, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Dicing the chicken and measuring out your rice and liquids in advance can save crucial minutes. This way, you can focus on the cooking process instead of scrambling for ingredients. Remember to keep an eye on the heat while sautéing the chicken; medium heat ensures it cooks evenly without burning.

To ensure a creamy texture, the addition of heavy cream near the end of cooking is critical. It not only enhances the richness but also allows the dish to come together seamlessly. After adding the cream and peas, give it a good stir but avoid overcooking, as this could cause the cream to separate. Just a couple of minutes until everything is heated through is all it takes for that luscious finish.

Ingredient Insights

The type of rice you choose impacts both the cooking time and the overall texture of the dish. Long grain and jasmine rice are excellent options because they absorb flavors well while maintaining a pleasing bite. If you prefer a richer flavor, you could substitute with arborio rice, typically used in risottos, but remember that it will require slightly more liquid and a longer cooking time to achieve the desired creaminess.

Don’t shy away from customizing this recipe with add-ins or substitutions. For a veggie boost, consider tossing in diced carrots or bell peppers along with the peas. If you're looking to lighten it up, you could replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, though this will slightly alter the creamy consistency. Just ensure to add a touch more seasoning to balance the flavors.

Ingredients

For the Skillet

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
1 cup rice (long grain or jasmine)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice and chicken broth, bringing it to a boil. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Stir in Cream and Peas

Once the rice is cooked, pour in the heavy cream and add the frozen peas. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and creamy.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider incorporating some freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil before serving. You can also replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist!

Make-Ahead Tips

This dish is wonderfully adaptable for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken and rice mixture a day in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply reheat on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up, and then stir in cream and peas just before serving. This way, the meal still tastes fresh even after a day in the fridge.

If you're planning on making a larger batch, consider freezing portions of the cooked skillet. Just let the dish cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. For reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat gently on low on the stove, adding a little cream or broth to restore the creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate this dish, consider garnishing it with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. This not only adds an appealing visual element but also enhances the flavor profile. If you want a bit of acidity to cut through the creaminess, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the dish beautifully.

Pairing this creamy skillet with a side salad or steamed vegetables can round out the meal. For a complete experience, serve it with crusty bread to soak up the remaining sauce. This combination makes for an enjoyable family dinner, satisfying both taste and texture cravings while remaining effortless to prepare.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of broth, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

You can substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt and add more vegetables, like bell peppers or broccoli, to increase the nutritional value.

→ Can leftovers be stored?

Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

→ Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! You can use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to replace the heavy cream in the recipe.