Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet
A comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free (with substitutions), Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Whole milk (for the creamy sauce)
- Flour (for thickening)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken by sprinkling it with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken, searing for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Set the cooked chicken aside on a plate.
- Bring 2 cups of chicken broth and a pinch of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan, then stir in 1 cup of rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes until tender.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet used for the chicken, then whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour until golden.
- Gradually add about 1 cup of whole milk and some chicken broth while stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.
- Add garlic powder and thyme, then stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it, simmering on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Plate the fluffy rice and nestle the chicken on top, generously drizzling the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
Substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred. Use long-grain white rice or jasmine rice for best texture. Experiment with different cheeses for added flavor.