When life gets busy, there’s nothing quite like a comforting Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet to bring everyone together around the dinner table. Imagine a succulent chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats fluffy rice, delivering a delightful blend of flavors with every bite. This dish is your go-to for those cozy family gatherings or winter evenings when you want something warm and filling, yet effortlessly simple to prepare.
One of the best parts? It can be whipped up in one skillet, meaning less clean-up time and more time to enjoy your meal and your loved ones. It’s reminiscent of a classic casserole, but with less fuss and a more fresh, home-cooked vibe. Plus, just like our popular creamy mushroom pasta, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that rivals even the heartiest indulgences. So, let’s dive into this delightful dish that’s destined to become a family favorite!
What is Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet?
You might be wondering, “Why on Earth do they call it a ‘skillet’?” Well, let me tell you – it sounds fancy, doesn’t it? It’s like calling a simple dish a gourmet experience! But really, this dish gets its name from the star of the cooking show: a trusty sturdy skillet that combines all the ingredients into one delightful mix. It’s perfect for weekdays, relaxed family dinners, or anytime you want to impress someone because let’s be honest here, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach! So if your loved ones are vying for a hearty meal, why not show them you care with this creamy magic in a skillet? Get ready to reignite the love for home-cooked meals with this one-pot wonder!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet
Let’s break down the glory that is this Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet! First and foremost, it’s a complete meal on its own – a wonderful blend of protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the rice, topped off with a rich, creamy sauce that makes each bite melt in your mouth. Another bonus? Cooking at home is not just cost-effective but allows you to skip those frustrating takeout lines while bringing everyone to the table!
Want to take it up a notch? Feel free to add your favorite flavorful toppings like fresh parsley or shredded cheese to elevate the experience! It’s reminiscent of a comforting risotto but much simpler to prepare. You won’t want to miss out on making this delectable dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
How to Make Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet
This Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet is the perfect blend of creamy and savory flavors, making it a satisfying option for any weeknight dinner. With its hearty texture and delightful flavor, you’ll be surprised at how simple and quick it is to make! You’ll have this dish ready in about 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without a fuss.
Key Ingredients for Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own delicious Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (190g) long-grain rice, rinsed
- 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth (make sure to choose Halal-friendly options)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (150g) frozen peas (or fresh, if available)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any Halal-friendly cooking oil)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chopping the onion and garlic.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, around 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Pour in the rinsed rice and stir to combine. Then add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
- Stir in Cream and Peas: Uncover the skillet, and stir in the heavy cream, frozen peas, cooked chicken, and thyme. Let everything cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Finish the Dish: If desired, stir in the grated parmesan cheese for an extra creamy texture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet
To elevate your Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet, here are some pro-tips:
- Substitutions: You can easily swap in different proteins like turkey, Halal chicken sausages, or even plant-based options for a vegetarian twist.
- Timing: Keep an eye on the rice as it cooks; different brands may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
- Avoiding Mistakes: Ensure you’ve rinsed the rice properly before cooking to avoid a gummy texture. Also, be sure not to overcook the chicken at the beginning – it should just be cooked through.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Planning to make a larger batch of Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet for later? You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. For reheating, it’s best to use medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy and moist.
Now that you have everything you need to create this scrumptious meal, what are you waiting for? Gather your loved ones and let the delightful aromas of the Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet fill your kitchen today! Enjoy!
Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth choose Halal-friendly options
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh, if available)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any Halal-friendly cooking oil)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chopping the onion and garlic.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, around 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the rinsed rice and stir to combine. Then add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
- Uncover the skillet, and stir in the heavy cream, frozen peas, cooked chicken, and thyme. Let everything cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- If desired, stir in the grated parmesan cheese for an extra creamy texture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
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