30-Minute Chicken and Rice Skillet – Busy Night Dinner Solution

This dish wasn’t passed down from a grandmother or clipped from a magazine. I actually stumbled upon it one night while scrolling through TikTok when someone was raving about a simple one-pan chicken dinner that looked too good to ignore. A day later, Pinterest showed me a similar version in a creamy garlic twist.

Curious and a little hungry, I searched the recipe online, made it with what I had at home, and instantly loved it. Since then, it’s been my go-to weeknight meal when time is tight but comfort is non-negotiable. It’s fast, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This 30-Minute Chicken and Rice Skillet

This one-skillet wonder is the ultimate mealtime savior. You get juicy, golden chicken paired with perfectly seasoned rice, all ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a reliable recipe whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family.

• Quick and ready in under 30 minutes
• Everything cooks in one pan for less mess
• Uses everyday pantry and fridge staples
• Comforting, satisfying, and kid-friendly
• Versatile enough to customize with what you have

No need for complicated ingredients or techniques. Just good, hearty cooking that delivers every single time.

30-Minute Chicken and Rice Skillet Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe work in 30 minutes or less. Everything is easy to find, and you may already have most of it in your kitchen.

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Chicken thighs are best for tenderness, but chicken breast works well too. You can swap peas for corn or chopped spinach. For more one-pan meal inspiration, you might love the One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake.

How to Make 30-Minute Chicken and Rice Skillet

This skillet dinner is easy enough for any night of the week. Follow these simple steps and dinner will be ready before you know it.

1. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and season with paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic for another 30 seconds.
3. Pour in the rice and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover tightly with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Stir in peas, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon if desired.

For a flavorful twist on rice dishes, check out the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Rice Skillet

This skillet meal is hearty on its own but can be paired with light sides to round out your plate. Here are a few easy serving ideas:

Serve with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or steamed green beans for a pop of color and crunch. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are great for soaking up extra juices from the rice. A light cucumber yogurt dip on the side adds a refreshing touch, especially in warmer months.

You can also spoon leftovers into a wrap the next day or serve it over a bed of arugula for a lunch bowl. For more chicken-based dinner ideas, take a look at the Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs recipe.

Easy Variations for Your Chicken and Rice Skillet

This recipe is super flexible. With a few tweaks, you can make it suit your taste or what’s in your pantry.

• Swap the chicken thighs for diced turkey or rotisserie chicken
• Use brown rice but increase cooking time by 15 minutes and add more broth
• Add chopped bell peppers or spinach to the skillet with the onions
• Mix in shredded cheese just before serving for a cheesy rice twist
• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or diced green chilies

Experiment and find your favorite combo. This dish works with whatever you have on hand. For another fun twist on weeknight dinners, try this Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken.

Storing and Reheating Chicken and Rice Skillet

Leftovers store well and make excellent next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out. You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

This dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the rice texture, but if needed, it can be frozen in portioned containers for up to 2 months.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Rice Skillet

A few smart tips will make sure your chicken and rice skillet comes out great every time.

• Always sear the chicken first to lock in flavor and texture
• Use a tight-fitting lid to keep moisture in and rice fluffy
• Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes after cooking so the rice can finish steaming

If using chicken breast instead of thighs, watch the cook time to avoid dryness. Stirring the rice too often while simmering can make it sticky, so leave it alone once the lid is on.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Chicken and Rice Skillet

Even simple recipes have a few traps to avoid. Here’s how to steer clear of the most common ones.

• Lifting the lid during simmering lets steam escape and interrupts the rice cooking process
• Using cold broth can drastically slow down cooking, so make sure it’s at room temp or warm
• Overcrowding the skillet prevents the chicken from browning properly

Be mindful of heat levels. Too high, and the bottom may scorch. Too low, and the rice won’t cook evenly. Medium-low heat after boiling is your sweet spot for this dish.

30-Minute Chicken and Rice Skillet: Final Thoughts

This 30-minute chicken and rice skillet has earned a permanent spot in the weeknight dinner lineup. It’s fast, affordable, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this one-pan wonder checks every box.

If you enjoyed this recipe, pin it to your dinner board and share it with friends who love quick wins in the kitchen.

FAQs about 30-Minute Chicken and Rice Skillet

How do you keep chicken moist in a 30-minute chicken and rice skillet?

Use chicken thighs for more moisture and flavor. Sear them first to lock in juices, and don’t overcook. Let them rest in the pan off heat to stay tender.

Can I use brown rice in a 30-minute chicken and rice skillet?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer. Increase the simmer time by about 15 minutes and use an additional half cup of broth. Keep the lid on the whole time for best results.

What vegetables go well in a chicken and rice skillet?

Great additions include bell peppers, peas, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or corn. Add them with the onions or near the end of cooking depending on the texture you want.

Can I make this 30-minute chicken and rice skillet ahead of time?

Definitely. Prepare as directed and store in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of broth or water. It’s perfect for lunches, dinners, or lazy weekend meals.

Is this chicken and rice skillet good for meal prep?

Absolutely. Divide into containers right after cooking. Let cool, then refrigerate. It holds up well for up to 3 days and reheats easily for a no-fuss lunch.

30-Minute Chicken and Rice Skillet – Busy Night Dinner Solution

Author: Ellie Courses: Dinner