Here is how to make a delicious and easy herb chicken and rice skillet that is great for weeknight dinner or for special occasions.
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Looking for the best weeknight dinner ideas? This post is all about how to make an easy chicken and rice recipe that is filled with savory flavors.
Looking for a delicious and easy dish that works for both busy weeknight dinners and special occasions? Look no further than this savory chicken and rice skillet recipe.
This one pan meal combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh herbs, all cooked in a savory broth that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that will impress your family and friends, and it doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Now that fall is here, many of us are looking for quick and easy meals to make during busy weeknights or lazy weekends indoors. You may find that you’ve already got the ingredients that you need to make a delicious chicken and rice skillet recipe in your refrigerator, freezer, or pantry.
This easy chicken and rice recipe also makes a great main dish for a casual holiday dinner. You’ll love how easy it is to make this tasty and satisfying dish.
If you’re planning a casual Friendsgiving celebration, then this chicken and rice skillet is an ideal main dish. It’s hearty, comforting, and it’s easy to scale it to feed a crowd. Plus, it’s super easy to make!
With chicken and rice, everyone can gather around the table, enjoying a meal that feels both festive and homey. This recipe makes it easy to bring wholesome and delicious flavors to the table.
In This Post:
- What is Skillet Chicken and Rice?
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Skillet Chicken and Rice Ingredients
- How to Make Chicken and Rice
- Using Dried Herbs to Make Chicken and Rice
- Make Ahead Chicken and Rice
- Chicken and Rice Recipe Tips
- How to Store Leftover Chicken and Rice
- Recipe: Skillet Chicken and Rice Skillet
What is Skillet Chicken and Rice?
This chicken and rice skillet is a delicious recipe that combines tender sautéed chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful herbs all cooked together in a savory broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s not only packed with flavor—it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize chicken and rice by adding your favorite vegetables and adjust the creaminess to your liking.
Plus, chicken and rice is a crowd pleaser that brings everyone together around the table, making it a go to for family dinners or gatherings with friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are some reasons to love this chicken and rice skillet recipe.
- Chicken and rice offers one pan convenience. Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup super easy after a long day.
- It’s quick and easy. It comes together in about 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Chicken and rice makes a flavorful and satisfying dish. The combination of savory chicken, creamy rice, and fresh herbs creates a delicious, comforting meal.
- It’s customizable. You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the creaminess to suit your taste. It’s easy to make a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and veggies, making chicken and rice a great option for a wholesome dinner.
- Chicken and rice is great for sharing. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, with great flavor bringing everyone together around the table.
- It’s leftover friendly. Chicken and rice reheats well, making for tasty leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day!
Skillet Chicken and Rice Ingredients
Here is a list of ingredients that are needed to make this flavorful chicken and rice skillet recipe. Each one brings something special to the dish, making it comforting and delicious.
- Chicken Breasts (1 lb). Use boneless , skinless chicken breasts that have been cut into bite sized pieces of chicken breast to make the skillet chicken and rice recipe. That way it’s easier for the pieces to cook quickly and stay juicy. They’re the star of the dish and provide lean protein.
- Long Grain White Rice (1 ½ cups). Long grain white rice cooks up fluffy and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the chicken stock and seasonings. Just make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before using it to remove any excess starch.
- Unsalted Chicken Stock (3 cups). Use chicken stock instead of water for cooking the rice because it adds depth and richness to the dish. It’s the base for so much flavor!
- Olive Oil or Butter (2 tbsp). Use olive oil or butter to sauté the chicken and vegetables. Butter is great for adding a bit of richness.
- Small Onion (1, finely chopped). A finely chopped onion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the chicken and rice dish. It’s one of the essential aromatics that makes the kitchen smell amazing as it cooks.
- Fresh Garlic (2 cloves, minced). Fresh garlic is a must for this recipe. It adds a punch of flavor and aroma that elevates the dish.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon) and Onion Powder (½ teaspoon):** These spices enhance the overall flavor of the dish. They’re great for adding an extra layer of taste to chicken and rice.
- Vegetables (optional). Add vegetables for a pop of color and to help round out the flavor of the skillet chicken rice. Whether adding sweet peas (½ cup) for color and sweetness, sautéed mushrooms (½ cup) for an earthy flavor, or fresh baby spinach leaves (2 cups) for a nutritious boost, these vegetables are all perfect for making a delicious chicken and rice skillet. These additions keep the dish fresh and vibrant.
- Cream of Chicken Soup or Heavy Cream (½ cup). For a creamy finish, mix in either cream of chicken soup or heavy cream during the last few minutes of cooking the rice. It makes the dish rich and comforting. Start with half a cup, and adjust the amount to your taste of liking.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, optional). For an extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a savory depth to the rice.
- Fresh Herbs (2 tbsp parsley, 1 tbsp chives, 1 tbsp dill). Add fresh herbs to help brighten up the dish. They add freshness and color, making it look and taste gourmet. You can also use dried herbs if fresh herbs aren’t available.
- Salt and Pepper. Salt and pepper are simple but essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
- Lemon Wedges (optional). A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that really enhances the overall flavor. Be sure to remove the seeds before squeezing out the lemon juice.
How to Make Skillet Chicken and Rice
It’s easy to make chicken and rice in as little as one large skillet. Here is how to make this quick and easy dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners.
First, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. While that’s warming up, season some cubed chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper, and then add them to the skillet.
Cook the chicken for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once it’s done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later.
Next, it’s time to sauté the aromatics. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil (or butter, if you want a richer flavor) to the skillet and toss in some chopped onion. Let the onion cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to keep it from burning, until it’s softened.
After that, stir in some minced garlic, garlic powder, and onion powder, cooking everything for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Stir continuously to help keep the garlic from burning.
Next, add the uncooked long grain white rice to the skillet, stirring it around to coat the grains in the oil and toast them for about 1 to 2 minutes. It’s important to stir frequently so the rice doesn’t burn.
Once that’s done, pour in the chicken stock and give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
If adding vegetables like sweet peas or spinach, stir them into the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking. For sautéed mushrooms, I cook them separately in butter or oil for 5 to 7 minutes, then stir them into the rice once it’s fully cooked.
Once the rice is done, stir in some cream of chicken soup or heavy cream, along with Parmesan cheese if you want the dish to be extra creamy.
Then, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with fresh parsley, chives, and dill. Give everything a good stir and taste to see if it needs more salt and pepper. You can layer the rice, herbs, and chicken for a prettier presentation—perfect for dinner parties or Friendsgiving meals.
Finally, garnish the dish with extra fresh herbs and serve it with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish (remove the seeds from the lemon wedges before serving to make it easier to squeeze the juice over the chicken).
This chicken and rice skillet is always a hit, whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or for gathering with family and friends!
Tip: If you want to kick things up a notch, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little heat and extra depth of flavor. It’s an easy way to customize the dish to your liking.
Can You Make Chicken and Rice with Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh Herbs?
You can also make this chicken and rice skillet using dried herbs instead of fresh!
While fresh herbs give the dish a bright, vibrant flavor, dried herbs are a great alternative and super convenient, especially if you don’t have fresh ones on hand. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so you’ll want to use about a third of the amount called for in the recipe.
For example, if the recipe asks for 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of dried. Here’s how it breaks down for the skillet chicken and rice recipe:
- For 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, use 2 teaspoons of dried parsley;
- For 1 tablespoon of fresh chives, use 1 teaspoon of dried chives;
- For 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, use 1 teaspoon of dried dill;
- For each garlic clove, substitute about ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
Dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor, so a little goes a long way.
Can You Make Chicken and Rice Ahead of Time?
One of the best things about this skillet chicken and rice recipe is that the ingredients can be prepared ahead of time to make things easier when you’re ready to cook your meal.
Simply cook the chicken and rice separately ahead of time and store them in the fridge up to a day ahead of time. Then, combine the chicken and rice, cream and herbs in a skillet, and heat the mixture for 7 to 10 minutes or until the ingredients are fully heated through just before serving.
You can also sauté onions and mushrooms to add to the chicken and rice, or add fresh baby spinach or thawed frozen peas to the skillet to cook with the chicken rice.
To sauté onions or mushrooms for this dish, just heat a little olive oil or butter in your skillet over medium heat, then cook the onions or mushrooms for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and golden brown.
You can the sautéed vegetables separate from the chicken and rice up to a day before preparing the dish. Let the vegetables cool before placing them in an airtight container to store in the refrigerator.
Prepping the ingredients ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time during the week while still enjoying a delicious homemade meal!
Skillet Chicken and Rice Recipe Tips
Here are some tips for making the best chicken and rice skillet that will impress your family and friends. These little tricks can make a big difference in turning an everyday meal into an incredible meal.
- Don’t skimp on the seasoning. Season the chicken well with herbs and spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This helps to build flavor from the start, adding savory notes for irresistible taste.
- Use fresh ingredients. Fresh herbs, garlic, and onions make a noticeable difference in flavor. If you can, pick up some fresh herbs from the farmer’s market store or even grow your own. The freshness adds a burst of flavor that dried herbs just can’t replicate. But don’t fret if fresh herbs aren’t available—dried herbs can also be used to add delicious flavor to chicken and rice.
- Toast the rice. When you add the rinsed and drained rice to the skillet, take a couple of minutes to toast the rice. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the rice, and it also gives the rice a great texture. Toasting the rice is a simple trick that elevates the flavor of the entire dish.
- Let the rice absorb the stock. Make sure to cover the skillet while the rice cooks. This traps steam, and it helps the rice to cook evenly and absorb all the flavors from the chicken stock. Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice is simmering!
- Customize the chicken and rice with veggies. Mix things up by adding vegetables to the chicken and rice. Sweet peas, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh spinach add color and nutrients.
- Make it creamy. Add cream of chicken soup or heavy cream to make this dish truly comforting. Grated Parmesan cheese makes another great addition to chicken and rice. If you want an extra creamy texture, don’t hesitate to add a bit more cream or cheese. Just be careful not to add too much at once!
- Finish with fresh herbs. Right before serving the chicken and rice, toss in a handful of chopped fresh herbs! They not only brighten the dish but also add a lovely pop of color. Plus, the fresh flavors make the dish feel light and refreshing.
- Serve with lemon. Don’t forget to garnish the dish with seeded lemon wedges! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before digging in brightens the whole dish and balances the creaminess. It’s a game changer, and it gives the chicken and rice a nice, fresh flavor that’s perfect for special occasions.
How to Store Leftover Chicken and Rice
Storing leftover chicken and rice skillet is easy. Once it’s cooled down a bit, simply transfer the leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge.
The skillet chicken and rice should stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, portion the chicken and rice out into smaller containers and freeze it for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the chicken and rice in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s warmed through.
This way, you can savor the delicious flavors of this comforting dish even on the busiest days.
Recipe: Skillet Chicken and Rice
Here’s a flavorful chicken and rice skillet recipe that combines sautéed chicken breasts, long grain white rice, chicken stock, fresh herbs, and your choice of vegetables (optional) to make a delicious main course. This dish is easy to make in one skillet and full of flavor!
Skillet Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice rinsed and drained
- 3 cups unsalted chicken stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅔ cup sweet peas 1 cup sliced, sautéed mushrooms, or 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, optional
- ½ cup cream of chicken soup or heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Seeded lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Season the chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Next, sauté the aromatics. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) to the skillet, and then add the chopped onion and cook it for 5 minutes or until softened. Stir the onion frequently to help to keep it from burning.
- Stir in the minced garlic, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook the ingredients for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the uncooked long grain white rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the rice with the oil and to lightly toast it for about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir frequently to keep the rice from burning.
- Pour in the chicken stock and stir to combine the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Next, add the optional ingredients. If you’re using sweet peas or spinach, stir them into the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- For sautéed mushrooms, prepare them in a separate pan by sautéing the sliced mushrooms in butter or oil for 5 to 7minutes, then stir them into the rice once it’s cooked.
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cream soup or heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Then add the cooked chicken, parsley, chives, and dill to the skillet. Stir everything together and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes longer, or until the soup or cream are heated through. Stir frequently to keep the rice from sticking or burning.
- Garnish the chicken and rice with more fresh herbs if desired and serve with seeded lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish.
Notes
Looking for more of the best weeknight dinner recipes?
- How to Make the Best White Chicken Chili
- The Best Tortilla Soup Recipe | Easy and Delicious
- The Best Chicken Schnitzel Recipe | How to Make Chicken Schnitzel with Creamy Lemon Sauce
This post was all about how to make a delicious and easy chicken and rice skillet.
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