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 chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup fresh spinach; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Food Recipes

I absolutely love making this Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet for a weeknight dinner because it’s so quick and satisfying. The creamy sauce envelops tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a comforting dish that the whole family enjoys. It’s packed with flavors and takes less than 30 minutes from prep to table. I can throw it all in one skillet, which makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to suit everyone’s taste.

Created by

Megan Scott

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:57:35.801Z

When I first tried making this Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could transform into something so delightful. I use boneless chicken thighs for their flavor and tenderness, and I often add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of richness. It’s truly a dish that warms your heart and fills your belly!

I’ve experimented with different veggies in this dish, and I’ve found that adding spinach and cherry tomatoes not only enhances the flavor but also makes it visually appealing. Just be sure to add the veggies towards the end of the cooking process to keep them vibrant and fresh!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that brings comfort in every bite
Quick and easy one-skillet meal for busy weeknights
Versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite ingredients

Mastering the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce is the heart of this dish, providing richness that complements the chicken and rice beautifully. Using heavy cream allows for a velvety texture that coats the ingredients, making each bite satisfying. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. However, keep in mind that the flavor and richness will vary, so adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain balance.

To enhance the creaminess, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving. This not only intensifies the flavor but also adds an additional layer of creaminess, making the dish even more indulgent. If you're a cheese lover, you might even add some shredded mozzarella during the cooking process, letting it melt into the sauce for extra gooeyness and flavor.

Customizing with Vegetables

One of the great advantages of the Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet is its adaptability with vegetables. While spinach and cherry tomatoes are wonderful choices, you can easily swap them out based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even frozen peas work well. Just remember to adjust cooking times for firmer veggies like bell peppers, which may require a few extra minutes to become tender.

If you prefer a heartier dish, consider adding some cooked carrots or mushrooms. These vegetables can add earthiness and additional nutrients. Sauté them with the chicken for optimal flavor infusion, and adjust the liquid content slightly if using moisture-rich vegetables to prevent the dish from becoming too soupy.

Storing and Reheating

This Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet is perfect for meal prepping, as it stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply cool the dish completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet on low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through and creamy again, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

If you plan to freeze leftovers, portion your skillet into individual containers. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Beware that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious. To revive the creaminess, consider adding a little extra cream during reheating.

Ingredients

For the Skillet

1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup fresh spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

Sauté Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken thighs, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Aromatics

Stir in the diced onion and garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Cook Rice

Add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, and thyme to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Finish with Veggies

Stir in the spinach and cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and tomatoes are warmed through.

Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating a splash of white wine when cooking the onion and garlic. This can elevate the dish and add depth to the creamy sauce.

Perfecting Your Rice

Cooking long-grain white rice in this recipe is a key factor in achieving the right texture that absorbs the creamy sauce. When you add the rice to the skillet, make sure to stir it well with the other ingredients to ensure even cooking. Watch for the liquid to come to a gentle simmer before covering the skillet—this will help prevent the rice from becoming mushy.

If you're not a fan of white rice or looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute it with brown rice. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook due to its firmer texture. Be sure to check your liquid levels and add more broth or water as needed to ensure it cooks evenly.

Seasoning Secrets

Seasoning plays a vital role in enhancing the flavors of this dish. While salt and pepper are essential, experiment with other herbs and spices to find your family's favorite combination. For example, adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne can bring a spicy smokiness that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the sauce.

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make excellent garnishes and can elevate the dish's freshness. If you’re short on time, dried herbs are a fine substitute; just remember to reduce the amount, as dried herbs are typically more potent than fresh. A simple adjustment here can take the dish from ordinary to extraordinary!

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Chicken Rice Skillet is delicious on its own, but it's also wonderful when paired with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus can add a vibrant color and extra nutrients to your dinner table. Feel free to get creative with your pairings; the creamy texture of the dish contrasts nicely with something crunchy and fresh.

When hosting, this dish can easily be scaled up by doubling the ingredients, making it an ideal option for gatherings. You can serve it directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation or transfer it to a large serving dish to make it more formal. Either way, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to increase the cooking time and possibly add more liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add bell peppers, peas, or even zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just reheat gently on the stove when you're ready to serve.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free, this recipe is gluten-free.