Winner winner, chicken dinner! Check out more of the best chicken recipes like Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake, Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken or Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Rice and chicken is a classic combo for good reason! It’s nourishing, easy to make, and easy to customize to your family’s tastes. When I need something simple, classic, and delicious, it’s recipes like this One Pan Chicken and Rice that I can always count on. There’s just something so satisfying about a creamy well rounded meal all in one pan! It’s a stress free dinner recipe that offers protein, nutrients, and carbs. Check, check, and check! Oh, and not to mention the most important part – it’s delicious, of course!
Why we love this One Pan Chicken and Rice Recipe:
One Pan: Easy to make, easy to clean, and has everything I need for a delicious dinner all in one single dish. One pan/pot recipes are the BEST! Creamy: The parmesan cheese and heavy cream added right at the end give the whole dish the most amazing creamy, cheesy quality. Kid Friendly: Carrots and peas are already fairly kid friendly when it comes to veggies. The way they’re nestled into the creamy rice and chicken make for the best bite that even the pickiest eaters will love!
One Pan Chicken and Rice Ingredients Needed:
Chicken: Chicken breasts are my favorite to use here, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work well. Feel free to omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian dinner. Chicken Broth: Low sodium broth is always my go-to! That way, I can control the amount of salt in the recipe. Feel free to swap with vegetable broth or chicken bouillon mixed with water. Of course, chicken stock also works great. Frozen Vegetables: Peas and carrots are my favorite, but the options here are pretty limitless. Feel free to swap with your favorite veggies! Rice: Long grain white rice cooks quickly. You can use long grain brown rice if you’d like, but note that it will take longer to cook. Onion: A white or yellow onion is preferred. Garlic: You can always add more if you’d like! You can also double down on the garlicky flavor by sprinkling in some garlic powder if desired. Cream: Heavy cream will create the best thick and creamy consistency. You can use half and half instead, but the sauce won’t end up being quite as thick. Parmesan: If possible, use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and consistency. Seasonings: I use a simple blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper. Adjust as needed and feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley!
How to make One Pan Chicken and Rice
Take a look at just how easy it is to make chicken and rice in one pan! For more info about the ingredients and process, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Heat oil (canola oil is what I used) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add to the skillet with onions. Cook until the chicken is slightly cooked on each side and onion is translucent. Note that at this step the chicken does not have to be fully cooked yet. Add garlic and seasonings. Cook for 1 more minute.
Add chicken broth, peas and carrots and rinsed rice. Bring to a boil/simmer over high heat, then cover and lower the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 10-15 minutes or until rice is tender. Stir in cream and parmesan.
Variations and Substitutions
Cream and parmesan: You can omit these ingredients for a dairy-free version. Or, add a little extra of each for an even richer and creamier twist! Change the veggies: You can swap the peas and carrots with really any other veggies you prefer. Broccoli, chopped green beans, diced bell peppers, etc. You can really clean out your produce drawer with this recipe. Chicken thighs: Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of breasts! Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless. Bump up the spice: like your creamy Chicken and Rice with a bit of kick? Add some Cajun seasoning or a bit of cayenne to take it to the next level.
How to store leftover Chicken and Rice
Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve it, just reheat it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time it stops, until warmed all the way through.
Can I freeze this Chicken and Rice recipe?
Sure thing! First, let the chicken and rice with veggies fully cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it all to a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to date and label! When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it defrost in the fridge prior to reheating. If it seems dry, add a splash of broth or cream and reheat in a skillet on the stovetop.
Serving suggestions:
While this may be a whole meal in one pan, you can still plate it with a delicious side dish! This one pan chicken and rice would go well with something like Air Fryer Broccoli, easy Roasted Carrots or Cheesy Baked Asparagus. We also love serving with these Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe, a slice of this No Knead Artisan Bread or some of my Mom’s Homemade Buns recipe.
More One Pan Chicken Recipes You’ll Love!
One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo — for the meatball lovers! One Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Noodles — skip the takeout 😉 One Pan Tuscan Orzo with Chicken — a reader favorite! One Pan Tuscan Chicken and Potato Skillet — gluten-free and totally delicious.
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