Craving a cozy, one-pot meal that the whole family will love? This Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe is your new weeknight winner! It’s hearty, creamy, and full of savory flavor—plus, it’s made with pantry staples and comes together in under 40 minutes.
Whether you’re working with finicky kids, meal prepping for the week, or just feel like having some good ol’ comfort food, this recipe’s the answer. Tender, golden brown chicken, puffy rice, and a ridiculously creamy sauce—seriously, what else could you possibly want?
Even better? It’s totally customizable. Add your favorite veggies, swap out the dairy for a lighter version, or use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. Let’s dive into this dinner-table classic!
Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe Ingredients
✅ Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas (or mixed veggies)
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2️⃣ Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and mostly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add diced onion and sauté until soft, about 2 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4️⃣ Add Rice & Broth
Add uncooked rice and stir to coat in the oils and flavors. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
5️⃣ Return Chicken & Simmer
Nestle chicken into the rice mixture. Cover and reduce heat to low. In a medium saucepan, cook the rice and chicken for 17–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6️⃣ Make It Creamy
Remove lid, lower heat, and stir in cream, cheeses, and frozen peas. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until everything is melted and combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7️⃣ Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and serve hot with a side salad or crusty bread.
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💡 Recipe Notes & Tips
- Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Add veggies like spinach, carrots, or mushrooms for a nutrient boost.
- Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
- Want more creaminess? Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese at the end!
Storage & Reheating
| Storage Type | Duration |
| Fridge | 3–4 days in airtight container |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months (without cream for best results) |
| Reheat | Microwave in 30-second bursts or stovetop with a splash of broth |
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken and rice dish is a full meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Caesar or garden salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted root vegetables
Easy Recipe Variations
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream or a plant-based milk with nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
- Add herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary add depth and aroma.
- Use brown rice: Just increase the liquid slightly and cook longer (about 35–40 mins).
- Turn it into soup: Add extra broth and simmer until the texture is soupy and soothing!
Nutrition Information (per serving, serves 4)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Why This Recipe Works
| Feature | Why It’s a Favorite |
| One-pot wonder | Easy cleanup, less fuss |
| Customizable | Works with what you have on hand |
| Creamy & hearty | Comforting flavor and texture |
| Family-approved | Kid-friendly and easy to adapt |
| Perfect weeknight meal | Ready in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients |
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FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Shred rotisserie chicken and add it after the rice is fully cooked.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap chicken for canned chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth.
3. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Use milk + a bit of flour, or Greek yogurt stirred in at the end.
4. How do I avoid mushy rice?
Don’t overcook, and use long-grain rice for the best texture. Also, stir only after the rice is done.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger pan and extend cooking time slightly.
6. Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes! After adding broth, cover the pan and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. Then stir in cream and cheese.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe is a classic—it’s quick, comforting, and always a hit. With its rich creamy base, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, it’s the kind of meal that brings people back to the table for seconds (or thirds).
Best of all, it’s made in one pan, comes together in under an hour, and is endlessly adaptable. Make it once, and it’ll be in your dinner rotation forever
Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe: Perfect for Dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup frozen peas optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the skillet.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in rice, chicken broth, thyme, and paprika. Bring to a boil.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- If using, add frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet: Ensure there’s enough space for the chicken to brown properly.
- Don’t skip searing the chicken: This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Use long-grain rice: Short-grain rice may become too sticky in this recipe.
- Check the rice: If the rice isn’t fully cooked but the liquid is absorbed, add a bit more broth and continue cooking.