The Best Crispy Chicken Rice Skillet for Stress-Free Dinners
Some meals feel like a warm pause in the middle of a busy day, and this crispy chicken rice skillet is exactly that. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with gentle spice aromas and reminds you of slow evenings when food was cooked patiently in one pot. The sizzling sound of chicken browning, the comfort of coconut milk simmering with rice, and the final touch of ghee bring a sense of home that feels deeply grounding.
This recipe was born from the need to make something filling without standing in the kitchen for hours. Everything happens in one pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to sit down and actually enjoy the meal. The rice absorbs all the flavors from the marinated chicken and spices, turning each spoonful into something rich but not heavy.
It’s forgiving, flexible, and perfect for days when you just want food that feels reassuring. Use what you already have in your kitchen, trust your instincts, and let the pot do most of the work. This is the kind of recipe that quietly becomes a family favorite without trying too hard.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup :
Step 1 :
Mix chicken with yogurt, salt, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and chili powder. I used the OXO Good Grips 3 Quart Mixing Bowl, but any bowl at home works just fine.
Step 2 :
Heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until lightly crispy and golden. I’m using a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, though your regular pan will work perfectly.
Step 3 :
Remove chicken and sauté onions with bay leaves and ginger. Add soaked rice and stir gently using a Cuisinart Silicone Spatula.
Step 4 :
Pour in hot coconut milk and water, return chicken to the pot, cover, and cook until rice is tender.
Step 5 :
Finish with garam masala, coriander, and ghee. Give one gentle stir and serve warm.
Who This Crispy Chicken Rice Skillet Is Perfect For :
Kid-Friendly :
Soft rice with tender chicken that’s easy to eat
Mildly spiced and customizable for less heat
Comforting one-pot meal kids enjoy
No complicated textures or strong flavors
Fitness-Focused Benefits :
High-protein chicken supports muscle and fullness
Balanced carbs from basmati rice for steady energy
Healthy fats from coconut milk and ghee
Can be paired with a light salad for a balanced meal
Busy-Life Adults Advantages :
One-pot cooking means fewer dishes
Simple prep with minimal hands-on time
Great for meal prep and reheats well for 2–3 days
Works perfectly for lunch or an easy dinner
The Best Crispy Chicken Rice Skillet for Stress-Free Dinners
This crispy chicken rice skillet is a cozy one-pot meal where marinated chicken is seared until golden, then simmered with fragrant basmati rice and creamy coconut milk for deep, comforting flavor.
Crispy Chicken Rice Skillet Ingredients
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with yogurt and spices.
- Brown chicken in oil and set aside.
- Cook onions, bay leaves, ginger, and rice.
- Add coconut milk, water, and chicken.
- Cover and cook until rice is done.
- Finish with garam masala, coriander, and ghee.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 3
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 520kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Saturated Fat 14g70%
- Cholesterol 95mg32%
- Sodium 780mg33%
- Potassium 520mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
- Dietary Fiber 42g168%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 32g64%
- Vitamin A 420 IU
- Vitamin C 6 mg
- Calcium 90 mg
- Iron 3.2 mg
- Vitamin D 1.1 mcg
- Vitamin E 2.3 mg
- Vitamin K 18 mcg
- Thiamin 0.18 mg
- Riboflavin 0.22 mg
- Niacin 9.6 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.8 mg
- Folate 68 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.7 mcg
- Biotin 6 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1.6 mg
- Phosphorus 310 mg
- Iodine 28 mcg
- Magnesium 54 mg
- Zinc 2.8 mg
- Selenium 34 mcg
- Copper 0.18 mg
- Manganese 0.9 mg
- Chromium 6 mcg
- Molybdenum 18 mcg
- Chloride 760 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Substitutions
Use cream diluted with water if coconut milk is unavailable.
Serving ideas
Serve with cucumber raita or lemon wedges.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not stir excessively once rice starts cooking.
Chef tips
Use hot liquids to ensure even rice cooking.
Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use brown rice?
Brown rice requires more water and longer cooking time.
Q. Is this dish spicy?
It is mildly spiced and can be adjusted easily.
