The magic of this One-Pan Skillet Chicken and Rice lies in its simplicity — tender seared chicken breasts paired with herbed, fragrant rice and a pop of sweetness from green peas. It’s hearty without being heavy, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without a pile of dishes.
This dish shines as a family staple that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. You can dress it up with a sprinkle of Parmesan, swap in brown rice for added fiber, or keep it classic. One skillet, endless comfort. It’s the kind of meal that makes home feel just a little warmer.
Full Recipe:
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into 2-3 inch pieces
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed well
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3 to 4 cups chicken stock
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1 cup frozen sweet peas
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Season chicken slices with salt and pepper. In a large 12-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
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Add diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft. Stir in oregano and basil.
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Add the rinsed rice, stir to combine, and nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the pan. Pour in 3 cups of chicken stock and gently stir.
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Bring mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
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After 15 minutes, check the rice. If not fully cooked and the skillet is dry, add 1/2 cup of broth at a time and simmer covered until tender. If liquid remains but rice is cooked, uncover and simmer to evaporate excess liquid.
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Add peas during the last few minutes of cooking and let them thaw and warm through.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 431 kcal | Servings: 4-6 servings
The Comfort and Convenience of Skillet Chicken and Rice
Skillet Chicken and Rice is a dish that speaks to the heart of home cooking. It’s a wholesome, one-pan meal that delivers flavor, warmth, and nourishment without the fuss of complex techniques or piles of dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking for a dependable weeknight staple, this recipe fits beautifully into any culinary repertoire.
At its core, this dish celebrates the harmony between tender chicken and fluffy, flavorful rice, elevated by simple herbs and a handful of pantry staples. But beyond just being delicious, it checks several boxes: it’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and endlessly customizable.
A Global Comfort Classic
Variations of chicken and rice exist across nearly every cuisine. From Spanish arroz con pollo to Indian biryani and Chinese clay pot rice, the base combination of protein and grains forms the foundation of global comfort food. The version presented here takes inspiration from these international roots while adapting itself to the modern kitchen.
This skillet chicken and rice isn’t overly spiced or complicated. Instead, it leans into the appeal of simplicity. It features tender chicken breast pieces seared for flavor, onions and garlic for aromatic depth, long-grain white rice for fluffiness, and sweet peas for color and nutritional balance. The seasoning — classic oregano and basil — adds enough flavor to make it satisfying, yet subtle enough to remain kid-friendly.
Why This Recipe Works
There are several reasons this dish earns a permanent place in the rotation:
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One-Skillet Efficiency: Everything cooks in one pan, which means minimal cleanup. This is ideal for anyone who wants a satisfying dinner without ending the evening with a sink full of pots.
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Balanced Nutrition: With lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and fiber from vegetables like peas, this dish provides a well-rounded plate in every serving.
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Time-Saving: This meal can be prepared in just over 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.
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Make-Ahead and Leftover Friendly: The finished dish holds up well in the fridge or freezer, and it reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
Tips for Best Results
One crucial step that many skip — but that dramatically improves the outcome — is rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold water before cooking. This removes excess starch and helps ensure the rice doesn’t turn mushy or gummy during cooking.
Additionally, while the recipe provides general timings, cooking rice can vary slightly based on the type of pan, stove temperature, and rice brand. The key is to keep an eye on the texture and moisture level and make slight adjustments — more broth if it’s too dry, and a bit more cook time uncovered if it’s too wet.
Another pro tip: for extra depth of flavor, consider swapping part of the chicken stock with a splash of white wine or adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the herbs.
The Kid-Friendly Factor
What makes this dish a winner for families is how universally appealing it is. Kids love the mild flavors and soft textures. For picky eaters, the components can be served separately: a scoop of plain rice, sliced chicken, and peas on the side. It’s flexible, adaptable, and doesn’t demand fancy plating to be delicious.
You can also cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or shred it post-cooking if that’s easier for little ones. Leftovers also make an excellent lunchbox addition or quick after-school snack.
Easy Customizations
One of the biggest strengths of this recipe is its versatility. A few simple swaps or additions can completely transform the flavor profile, making it feel like a new dish every time.
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Protein Options: Replace chicken with turkey, pork tenderloin slices, or even tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Thin pork chops work beautifully, as do leftover roast chicken pieces.
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Grain Alternatives: While long-grain white rice is traditional, you can substitute brown rice, quinoa, or farro. Keep in mind that cooking times and liquid ratios will need to be adjusted accordingly.
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Flavor Twists: Add spices like cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, or chili flakes to explore different global cuisines. A splash of soy sauce or lemon juice can brighten the dish dramatically.
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Veggie Add-Ins: Swap peas for corn, diced carrots, green beans, or chopped spinach. Frozen vegetables make it even easier and reduce prep time.
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Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving for a creamy, comforting touch.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This dish is ideal for batch cooking and storing. Once cooled, it can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to three months. When reheating, a few tablespoons of water or broth help restore the moisture and texture.
For meal prepping, you can prepare the rice mixture ahead of time and cook the chicken separately. Then, assemble and finish everything together in the skillet just before serving.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Garnish your finished skillet with freshly chopped parsley or even a drizzle of lemon juice to add brightness. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, homey feel, or transfer to a serving dish with extra vegetables on the side for a more elegant presentation.
Pair this dish with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light soup to round out the meal. It’s also excellent alongside warm bread or rolls to soak up any remaining broth.
Perfect for Any Season
Though it’s cozy enough for winter evenings, Skillet Chicken and Rice is light enough to enjoy year-round. In summer, serve it with a chilled cucumber salad. In colder months, add warming spices or top it with melted cheese. Its all-weather adaptability makes it a favorite no matter the season.
The Crowd-Pleaser That Keeps on Giving
If you’re looking for a foolproof recipe to feed a crowd, this one’s a solid contender. It scales up easily for dinner parties, potlucks, or meal trains for friends. Plus, because the flavors are mild and familiar, it suits most palates — perfect when cooking for guests with different preferences.
It also makes a great dish to bring to someone in need — new parents, someone recovering from illness, or even a holiday side that travels well.
Conclusion
Skillet Chicken and Rice is more than just a quick dinner — it’s a reliable, flavorful, and wholesome meal that reminds us why simple recipes often stand the test of time. With just one pan and a few everyday ingredients, it creates a rich and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Its gentle flavors, adaptability, and no-fuss cooking method make it a recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Whether you’re feeding kids, entertaining guests, or just craving something cozy, this dish delivers every time.