There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy, hearty chicken and rice dish — especially when it all comes together in one pan. This Skillet Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice is rich, satisfying, and full of rustic flavor. Wild rice adds earthy texture, the creamy sauce brings cozy warmth, and tender chicken ties it all together. It’s a dish that tastes slow-cooked, yet it comes together with surprising ease.
The first time I made this, I used a blend of wild and brown rice, and the nuttiness paired beautifully with the creamy sauce. I also added a splash of white wine with the broth, and it deepened the flavor in a lovely way. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight comfort meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this skillet delivers exactly what you crave — warmth, richness, and a wholesome, homemade feel.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Skillet Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice is deeply flavorful, hearty, and unbelievably comforting. Everything cooks in the same skillet, so cleanup is minimal. The wild rice gives a rustic, nutty bite that pairs beautifully with the velvety sauce. It’s nourishing yet indulgent, making it perfect when you want something warming without fuss.
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Skillet Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Skillet Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice is a cozy, hearty one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for cool evenings or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup wild rice blend (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and mushrooms (if using) and cook 1 more minute.
- Stir in wild rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, thyme, and parsley. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender.
- Once rice is cooked, stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and butter. Return chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and everything is heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan.
Notes
- If sauce thickens too much, add extra broth or cream.
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version (add in step 7).
- Wild rice blends may vary in cook time — adjust broth or simmer time as needed.
- For a lighter dish, replace cream with evaporated milk.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Provide tender, juicy protein; thighs add extra richness.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out the savory flavors.
Olive Oil – Used for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
Butter – Adds richness and depth to the creamy base.
Garlic – Fresh garlic enhances the earthy wild rice and creamy sauce.
Onion – Adds aromatic sweetness to round out the flavors.
Wild Rice (or Wild Rice Blend) – Offers texture, nuttiness, and heartiness.
Chicken Broth – Helps cook the rice and infuses everything with savory depth.
Heavy Cream – Creates a rich, velvety sauce that ties the dish together.
Thyme – A subtle herb that complements the earthiness of the rice.
Mushrooms (optional) – Add savory umami and pair beautifully with creamy sauces.
Parmesan Cheese – Thickens and enriches the sauce naturally.
Fresh Parsley – Adds a bright finish that balances the richness.
Directions
Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the wild rice and stir to coat it in the butter and aromatics.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the skillet to lift any browned bits. Add thyme, then return the chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer on low heat for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Remove the chicken again and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and mushrooms if using. Let the sauce gently thicken for a few minutes.
Slice or shred the chicken and return it to the skillet, stirring everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 45–50 minutes. Total: just under 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Wild rice reheats well and keeps its texture. Freezing is possible, though the sauce may thicken slightly; add extra broth when reheating to restore creaminess.
Variations and Customizations
Mushroom Lovers’ Version – Add extra mushrooms and caramelize them before cooking the rice.
Veggie Boost – Stir in spinach or peas during the final minutes of cooking.
Lemon-Thyme Twist – Add fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, aromatic finish.
Bacon & Wild Rice – Add crisp bacon pieces for smoky flavor.
Nutty Almond Topping – Sprinkle toasted almonds on top before serving.
Pesto Cream Version – Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto for herbaceous depth.
Cheddar Wild Rice – Replace some Parmesan with sharp cheddar for bold flavor.
White Wine Enhancement – Deglaze the skillet with wine before adding broth.
Gluten-Free Friendly – Naturally gluten-free as long as broth is certified GF.
Dairy-Free Creaminess – Replace cream with coconut milk for a rich, silky substitute.
FAQs
What is Skillet Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice?
A one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, wild rice, and a creamy savory sauce.
Can I use a wild rice blend?
Yes, blends cook beautifully and add great texture.
Do I need to pre-cook the rice?
No, it cooks directly in the skillet.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream plus nutritional yeast.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes — add it during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
Does wild rice take longer to cook?
Yes, it requires a longer simmer, which makes the one-pan method perfect.
Can I add vegetables?
Mushrooms, spinach, carrots, or peas work well.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely — stir it in after the rice is tender.
What’s the best skillet to use?
A deep sauté pan or cast-iron skillet with a lid works best.
How creamy should the sauce be?
Velvety and thick enough to coat the rice — adjust cream or broth as needed.
Conclusion
Skillet Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice brings together rustic comfort and creamy richness in a single pan. It’s hearty, flavorful, and ideal for nights when you want warmth and satisfaction without complicated steps. From the tender chicken to the earthy wild rice and the luxuriously creamy sauce, every bite feels nourishing and indulgent. This dish is comforting, reliable, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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