Creamy Tuscan Chicken Rice Skillet (Print)

One-pot comfort with chicken, creamy herb rice, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian flavors—easy and satisfying.

# Components:

→ Chicken Preparation

01 - 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Rice and Sauce

06 - 1 medium onion, diced
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
09 - 3 cups chicken broth
10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
11 - 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
14 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Finishing Touches

15 - 3 cups fresh baby spinach
16 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
18 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Method:

01 - Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 6 to 8 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip the thighs and cook an additional 3 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
02 - In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add long-grain white rice to the skillet, stirring to coat in the aromatics for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.
04 - Return chicken thighs, skin-side up, to the skillet, arranging them into the rice mixture. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
05 - Remove the lid and add fresh spinach. Stir until wilted, about 1 minute. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
06 - Allow the skillet to rest for 5 minutes before serving directly with lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses just one skillet so clean-up is quick and easy
  • Layers bold Italian flavors with simple pantry staples
  • Ready in under an hour
  • Family-friendly and naturally gluten-free
02 -
  • High in protein thanks to chicken thighs
  • Four food groups in every bite for satisfying nutrition
  • Perfectly balanced between creamy savory and bright
03 -
  • Searing the chicken well at the beginning is what brings true chicken flavor all through the rice
  • Do not rush wilting the spinach so the greens stay bright
  • Taste and adjust salt after adding the Parmesan cheese as it adds plenty of salt on its own

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