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Creamy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Skillet (Easy Best Recipe)

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This creamy one-pot chicken and rice skillet is a weeknight wonder that delivers rich, comforting flavor in under an hour. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s the perfect meal for busy nights when you need a guaranteed win.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (200g) uncooked long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper)
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and half the paprika. Set aside.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate (chicken will not be fully cooked).
  3. Cook the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the pan, scraping up browned bits. Cook 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Toast the Rice: Add uncooked rice to the pan. Stir for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted and fragrant.
  5. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, dried thyme, and remaining paprika. Stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Return the Chicken: Nestle seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, partially submerged. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and cook undisturbed for 20 minutes.
  7. Add the Cream: Remove lid. Rice should be tender and most liquid absorbed. Pour in heavy cream and gently stir through the rice. Cook uncovered for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Finish and Serve: Turn off heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, don’t skip searing the chicken—it adds essential flavor. Resist the urge to peek while the rice cooks; keeping the lid on ensures perfect texture. Toasting the rice before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor. If using chicken breasts, reduce sear time to 3-4 minutes per side and check doneness after rice cooks. For a dairy-free version, substitute full-fat coconut milk for heavy cream and omit Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot chicken and rice, creamy chicken skillet, easy weeknight dinner, chicken and rice recipe, one pan meal

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