One-Pan Stovetop Creamy Chicken and Rice with Mushrooms: Your Go-To Quick Dinner
Tender chicken and savory mushrooms enveloped in creamy rice, all cooked in one pan for an effortlessly delicious dinner. This stovetop creamy chicken and rice recipe is designed for ease and is perfect for even the busiest nights.
Growing up, certain dishes were constant fixtures at our family dinner table. Among them, a classic chicken and rice casserole held a special place. My mom’s version involved a simple mix of canned cream of mushroom soup, milk, rice, and a generous amount of poultry seasoning, all topped with chicken breasts and baked until golden and tender. I vividly remember the comforting, creamy mushroom-infused rice that made this dish a family favorite.
While I cherish those childhood memories, I’ve reimagined this beloved classic to be even better and more convenient for today’s busy households. This modern take on creamy chicken and rice eliminates the need for any canned soup, relying instead on fresh ingredients to build incredible flavor. What’s more, this entire meal comes together in about 25-30 minutes, all in a single pan on your stovetop! Yes, real, fresh mushrooms are central to its deliciousness, combined with milk for that wonderfully creamy texture we all love.
Easy chicken dinner ideas are always in high demand. Whether you’re craving something rich and indulgent like Tuscan Chicken Pasta or a timeless classic like chicken and rice, versatility is key. As a huge fan of mushroom rice pilaf as a side dish, it felt only natural to combine that earthy, savory goodness with a hearty chicken meal. The result is this incredibly flavorful and satisfying stovetop creamy chicken and mushroom rice dinner that’s sure to become a new family staple.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice
This stovetop creamy chicken and rice isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a game-changer for weeknights. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your regular rotation:
- Unbeatable Speed: From start to finish, this meal is ready in around 30 minutes. Perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence but you still want a homemade, hearty meal.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Say goodbye to multiple pots and pans! Everything cooks in a single skillet, drastically reducing cleanup time. This alone makes it a winner for busy cooks.
- No Canned Soup: We achieve ultimate creaminess and rich flavor using fresh ingredients like milk (or cream) and Parmesan cheese, along with real mushrooms, ensuring a fresher, more wholesome taste.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and a blend of Italian and poultry seasonings creates a depth of flavor that’s truly satisfying.
- Family-Friendly: This is a dish that appeals to almost everyone, making it an ideal choice for family dinners. It’s comfort food at its best, reimagined for modern life.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it to your family’s preferences by adding different vegetables or varying the seasonings.
Essential Ingredients for Stovetop Creamy Chicken and Rice
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements.
Creating this delicious one-pan creamy chicken and rice requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the rich flavors and perfect texture of this dish:
- Chicken Breasts: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes for quick and even cooking. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and even more tender result; just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces.
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, providing a healthy fat base and preventing sticking.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a foundational aromatic sweetness that deepens as it cooks.
- Mushrooms: Fresh sliced mushrooms (white button or cremini work wonderfully) are crucial for that earthy, umami flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken and rice. They add fantastic texture and substance to the dish.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with its unmistakable pungent and aromatic notes, bringing all the flavors to life.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, Italian seasoning adds a robust, savory profile to the chicken and rice.
- Poultry Seasoning: This classic blend, often containing sage, thyme, and other spices, is what truly evokes the nostalgic comfort of a traditional chicken dinner. It’s a key flavor enhancer in this recipe.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base for cooking the rice and infusing the dish with chicken flavor. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth if you’re watching your salt intake; you can always adjust seasoning later.
- White Rice: Uncooked long-grain white rice is essential for this recipe. Its cooking time aligns perfectly with the other ingredients, absorbing the creamy liquid beautifully. If using brown rice, be aware that the cook time will be significantly increased, and you might need more liquid.
- Milk or Heavy Cream: This is where the “creamy” magic happens! Whole milk provides a lovely richness, while heavy cream will make the dish extra decadent. Choose based on your preference for richness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese stirred in at the end melts into a silky, savory finish, adding depth and a delightful tang.
- Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Always taste and adjust to your liking.
How To Make One-Pan Stovetop Creamy Chicken and Rice
Preparing this incredibly flavorful and easy one-pan meal is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to bring a comforting dinner to your table:
- Sauté Chicken and Veggies: Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your cubed chicken, sliced mushrooms, and finely chopped onion to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken starts to brown lightly and the vegetables begin to soften. This initial browning adds a layer of depth to the final dish.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell its fragrant aroma – be careful not to burn it!
- Season Generously: Now, it’s time to season everything. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken and vegetables are nicely coated with the spices. The poultry seasoning, in particular, will bring back that classic comforting flavor from traditional chicken and rice dishes.
- Cook the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and add the uncooked long-grain white rice. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet tightly and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This simmering process allows the rice to absorb the flavorful broth and cook to tender perfection. Check periodically towards the end to ensure all liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked.
- Stir in Creaminess: Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the milk (or heavy cream for extra richness) and the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is wonderfully creamy. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve Immediately: This creamy chicken and rice is best served fresh and warm. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese, if desired, for a beautiful finish. Enjoy your effortless one-pan masterpiece!
The joy of cooking a complete, satisfying meal in just one pan is truly unmatched, and this creamy chicken and rice delivers on all fronts. That distinctive poultry seasoning, which I loved so much in my mom’s casserole, is generously included here, giving it that familiar, comforting taste. The rice and all the ingredients cook together, infusing every grain with flavor, before being enriched with milk or heavy cream right at the end. Seriously, this easy, delicious, and quick dinner is bound to be a hit with your entire family!
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Stovetop Creamy Chicken and Rice
While this recipe is fantastic as written, a few tips and variations can help you achieve perfection or customize it to your family’s taste:
Achieving the Perfect Creaminess and Consistency:
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: Keep an eye on the rice during the simmering phase. Overcooking can make it mushy. It should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Adjust Liquid as Needed: If your rice seems too dry before it’s fully cooked, add a splash more chicken broth. If it’s too soupy at the end, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: While pre-grated Parmesan works, freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and offers a superior flavor, contributing to a truly luxurious creaminess.
- For Extra Richness: If you love a truly decadent dish, don’t hesitate to use heavy cream instead of milk in the final step.
Flavor Boosters and Substitutions:
- Add More Veggies: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of greens. Frozen peas or diced bell peppers can also be added along with the mushrooms and onions.
- Herbs: Freshly chopped parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of fresh thyme at the end can brighten the flavors.
- Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, white cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest grated over the top before serving can add a lovely brightness and cut through the richness.
Make Ahead and Storage:
- Leftovers: Store any leftover creamy chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: When reheating, you might find the rice has absorbed more liquid and become thicker. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up and restore its creamy texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
- Freezing: While technically possible, creamy rice dishes can sometimes change texture after freezing and thawing, becoming a bit grainy. For best results, it’s recommended to enjoy this dish fresh.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can consistently create a perfect, flavorful, and customizable one-pan creamy chicken and rice that will delight everyone at your table.
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken & Rice
This creamy chicken and rice is truly a complete meal on its own, offering protein, grains, and vegetables all in one delicious pan. However, if you’re looking to enhance your meal with more vibrant sides or extra crunch, these options pair beautifully and are just as easy to prepare:
- Roasted Green Beans: A simple side of crispy, oven-roasted green beans offers a delightful textural contrast and a fresh, earthy flavor.
- Italian Cheese Pull Apart Bread: For those who love a good carb, this cheesy, garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasting brings out the sweet, nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts, making them a fantastic, slightly bitter counterpoint to the rich chicken and rice.
- Sautéed Asparagus: Lightly sautéed asparagus spears offer a fresh, green crunch and a delicate flavor that complements the creamy dish without overwhelming it.
- Simple Side Salad: A fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice to add a refreshing element to the meal.
More Delicious Chicken Dinner Recipes
If you’re constantly on the hunt for more ways to enjoy chicken, here are some other fantastic recipes to add to your repertoire:
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Garlic Baked Chicken
- Honey Dijon Chicken
- Coconut Chicken Curry
Stovetop Creamy Chicken and Rice
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Video
Equipment
-
Pot and Pan Set
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1/2 cup whole milk, or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken, mushrooms, and onion to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is starting to brown and veggies are soft.1 pound chicken breasts, 1 Tablespoon olive oil, 1 onion, 8 oz mushrooms
-
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant3 cloves garlic
-
Season with Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Mix well.2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoon poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-
Stir in chicken stock and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is cooked.2 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
-
Stir in milk and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.1/2 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Join Our Community! I’ve created a fun and engaging group on Facebook, and I would absolutely love for you to join us! It’s a fantastic place where you can share your own favorite recipes, ask questions, get cooking tips, and stay updated on all the new and exciting recipes from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so you never miss out!).
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make! Your culinary creations inspire me and the entire community!
Don’t miss a single post! Be sure to follow me on my social media channels:
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Enjoy your cooking adventures!