Spring Herb Chicken Rice Skillet

A delightful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and fresh spring vegetables, all simmered together with creamy rice. This dish is perfect for a comforting yet light dinner that celebrates the flavors of the season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet.
• Seasonal Ingredients: Utilizes fresh spring vegetables like asparagus and leeks.
• Flavorful and Creamy: The addition of Boursin cheese adds a rich, creamy texture.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite herbs and vegetables.
• Balanced Meal: Combines protein, vegetables, and grains for a complete dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 leek
• 1/2 bunch of asparagus (about 25 spears)
• 1 cup rice
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 Boursin cheese puck
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Handful of fresh parsley, minced (for topping)
• Parmesan cheese (as desired, for topping)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for topping)​Kenna’s Cooks+6EatingWell+6Creme De La Crumb+6I Wash You Dry+5Kenna’s Cooks+5Creme De La Crumb+5The Kitchn+3Jill Silverman Hough+3Creme De La Crumb+3Budget Bytes

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the leek thoroughly to remove any sand. Slice the white part finely. Mince the garlic cloves. Chop the asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
2. Season the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the Chicken: In a large oiled skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken for a few minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced leeks and cook for 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped asparagus, cooking until slightly soft and fragrant.
5. Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes until slightly browned.
6. Simmer: Pour in the chicken stock, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Add Cheese and Peas: Once most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the Boursin cheese and frozen peas until well combined.
8. Finish the Dish: Add the lemon juice, additional Italian seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice mixture.
9. Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.​Kenna’s Cooks+1I Wash You Dry+1

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes​

Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein source.
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate other spring vegetables like peas, spinach, or artichokes.
• Cheese Alternatives: Use cream cheese or goat cheese in place of Boursin for a different flavor profile.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, basil, or tarragon to suit your taste.​

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.​Simply Recipes

FAQs

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice, such as jasmine or basmati, is ideal for this dish due to its light and fluffy texture.​

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and may add more flavor due to their higher fat content.​

Is there a substitute for Boursin cheese?

Cream cheese or goat cheese can be used as alternatives to Boursin, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.​

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.​

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Feel free to include vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to enhance the dish.​Allrecipes

What can I serve with this skillet meal?

A fresh green salad or crusty bread pairs well with this dish to complete the meal.​

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?

Ensure the skillet is well-oiled and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Using a non-stick skillet can also help.​

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead and assemble them when ready to cook. Store the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables separately in the refrigerator.​

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the chicken stock and Boursin cheese used are gluten-free, this dish is suitable for a gluten-free diet.​

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