Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet with Rice – Easy Homemade Dinner Idea

Creamy chicken recipes always have a way of finding a spot on my table, but this one came to me by accident during a rainy Saturday when I didn’t want to order out again. I had a pack of chicken thighs, a head of garlic, and leftover rice from the night before. A quick search for a one-skillet idea turned into a trial of creamy garlic sauce with pantry staples. The result was rich, garlicky, and cozy in all the right ways. That same night, I scribbled down the notes, knowing I’d want to make it again and again.

This creamy garlic chicken skillet with rice is now my go-to when I want something hearty but don’t want to spend the whole evening cooking. With only one pan and simple ingredients, it’s a great weeknight comfort dish that always gets a clean plate. It’s savory, creamy, and the garlic sings in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet with Rice

Quick and easy one-pan dinner
Everything cooks in one skillet with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy nights.

Creamy and full of garlic flavor
The garlic-infused sauce is rich but not heavy, coating the chicken and rice perfectly.

Kid-friendly and adult-approved
Even picky eaters love it, and the leftovers reheat beautifully.

Great for meal prep
It stores well for lunches and makes delicious leftovers for the next day.

Customizable with simple pantry ingredients
Swap in different vegetables or use what you have, this recipe is forgiving and versatile.

At the end of this section, be sure to check out this creamy chicken noodle soup that’s also simple and delicious for cozy nights.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Ingredients

For this creamy garlic chicken skillet with rice, you’ll need basic ingredients you likely have at home. Fresh garlic is the real hero here, while the cream and broth create a smooth, flavorful sauce. Use cooked rice to speed up dinner time.

• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional, for color and texture)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish

Fresh parsley adds a final pop of color, while the parmesan brings a savory edge to the sauce. You can also use long grain rice if jasmine isn’t available.

At the end of this ingredients section, try pairing this meal with a cozy one pan chicken and rice bake on another night, it’s a comforting rotation dish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet with Rice

Making this creamy garlic chicken skillet with rice only takes about 30 minutes. Everything comes together in one pan, making clean-up a breeze.

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Cook for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.
2. Push chicken to one side. Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds, stirring to avoid burning.
3. Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Cook for 4–5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Add baby spinach if using and let it wilt.
5. Stir in cooked rice and simmer another 2 minutes, until everything is well combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

This skillet garlic chicken with rice recipe is a great base for other creamy meals too. If you love this method, you might enjoy this chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice for your next weeknight favorite.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Chicken and Rice Skillet

This creamy chicken skillet pairs beautifully with light sides to balance its richness. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette keeps things fresh, while garlic-roasted broccoli or steamed green beans add texture.

You can also serve this over a bed of fresh arugula for a rustic presentation or alongside crusty bread to scoop up the creamy sauce. If you’re feeding a crowd, set the skillet in the middle of the table and let everyone help themselves. It works well for potlucks or a casual family-style dinner.

Leftovers can be turned into wraps or filled into bell peppers for a second-day twist. A quick splash of broth during reheating keeps the rice moist.

For another creamy comfort idea that feeds a crowd, check out this marry me chicken crock pot recipe.

Creamy Chicken and Rice Variations & Customization

This creamy garlic chicken skillet is easy to tweak based on your mood, pantry, or dietary goals. Here are a few ways to switch it up:

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the garlic.
• Add vegetables: Stir in mushrooms, zucchini, or frozen peas with the spinach.
• Use different proteins: Swap chicken for turkey breast or cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Low-carb option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice, just reduce the broth slightly.
• Cheese swap: Use shredded mozzarella or white cheddar if you’re out of parmesan.

The creamy base can handle just about anything you toss in. Keep the garlic and the cream, and the rest is flexible. You’ll discover your favorite combo in no time.

Storage & Reheating Tips for Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet

This skillet garlic chicken stores beautifully. Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Avoid boiling the sauce when reheating, as this can cause separation. Stir gently until warmed through and creamy again.

Pro Tips for Creamy Chicken and Rice Perfection

To get the best flavor and texture every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Brown the chicken properly: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Let the chicken sear on each side for flavor.
• Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.
• Add cream off the heat: Let the pan cool slightly before adding dairy. This prevents curdling.
• Warm your rice first: Cold rice can cool down the sauce. Let it come to room temp or microwave it before mixing in.
• Finish with herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or chives at the end brightens everything.

These small steps make a big difference in turning out a creamy garlic chicken skillet that tastes like something from your favorite café.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice

Even simple recipes like this can go sideways if you’re not careful. Avoid these common issues:

• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly. Add it after the chicken is browned and only sauté for 30 seconds.
• Using cold rice: Cold rice can clump and dull the dish. Warm it slightly before adding.
• Overcooking the cream: Too high heat will cause cream to break. Always simmer gently.
• Skipping the seasoning: Taste as you go. Salt and pepper are essential with creamy dishes to keep flavors balanced.
• Adding cheese too early: Melt cheese once the sauce has thickened. This keeps it smooth and prevents stringiness.

If you’ve had a failed creamy chicken dinner before, chances are one of these was the culprit. Now you know how to avoid them.

One-Pan Creamy Chicken for the Win

This creamy garlic chicken skillet with rice is everything a weeknight dinner should be: fast, flavorful, and satisfying. With tender chicken, a rich garlic cream sauce, and fluffy rice in every bite, it’s a dinner worth repeating.

Once you make it, you’ll want to keep this in your rotation. And it’s easy enough to whip up after a long day. If you’re looking for that cozy, one-pan win with little fuss, this is it.

FAQs About Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet with Rice

What is the best cut of chicken for a creamy garlic skillet recipe?

Boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this dish because they stay juicy and tender. Chicken breasts also work if sliced evenly to ensure they cook through without drying.

Can I use pre-cooked rice in a creamy chicken and rice skillet?

Yes, using leftover rice saves time. Just warm it slightly before mixing it into the skillet so it blends easily with the sauce and doesn’t cool down the pan.

How do you keep creamy garlic chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking the chicken and add the cream on low heat. Resting the chicken before serving also helps retain moisture.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in this garlic chicken recipe?

Half and half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt can be used. Just make sure to cook on low heat to prevent curdling and maintain creaminess.

Can I freeze creamy garlic chicken with rice?

It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with added broth to restore texture.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet with Rice – Easy Homemade Dinner Idea

Author: Ellie Courses: Rice