10 Cast Iron Skillet Chicken and Rice Recipes

Ever thought about making a tasty meal that’s easy to clean up? Cast iron skillet chicken and rice recipes are the perfect solution. They blend juicy chicken, well-cooked rice, and various flavors. These recipes will turn your simple dinners into something special. I’m happy to bring you 10 recipes that will make your cooking journey exciting.

These recipes cover everything from traditional favorites to adventurous dishes. They are ideal for both families and those who love exploring food. Join us as we look at the magic of skillet meals. With just one pan, you can create diverse and delicious meals.

Choosing the right skillet is key to great cooking. Consider looking into ceramic electric skillets for their non-stick surface and even heating. Now, let’s start cooking!

Key Takeaways

• Cast iron skillet meals combine convenience with flavor
• One-pot recipes save time on cleanup and preparation
• Versatile recipes range from classic to international cuisines
• Cast iron cooking enhances flavors and textures
• These meals are perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends

The Magic of One-Pot Cooking: Cast Iron Skillet Meals

I love making meals in my cast iron skillet. It’s perfect for fast dinners that taste amazing. These recipes are simple and quick to clean up.

Cast iron skillets cook food evenly. The 12-inch size, such as the Oster CKSTSKFM12-ECO, is great for feeding a family. Its big cooking area is ideal for various dishes.

Seasoning my skillet with avocado oil works best for me. It has a high smoke point and a top rating. The process is easy:

1. Coat the skillet with a thin layer of oil
2. Place it in the oven at 350°F for an hour
3. Let it cool down completely

This method keeps food from sticking and enhances flavor. It also simplifies washing dishes. Just a quick rinse, dry well, and lightly oil. No need for soap!

Skillet meals have made my life easier in the kitchen. They’re a hit with my family and require little work.

Essential Tools: Choosing the Right Cast Iron Skillet

Finding the perfect cast iron skillet is crucial for making mouth-watering chicken and rice meals. The size of the skillet matters a lot when cooking for your family. We will look at how to pick and look after your cast iron cookware.

Size Considerations for Family Meals

A 10-inch or a 12-inch skillet is great for cooking family-sized meals. These sizes give you plenty of room for your food and make sure it cooks evenly. Check out this simple guide:

Seasoning and Maintaining Your Skillet

Taking good care of your cast iron is important for it to last. Season your skillet by covering it with oil and heating it at 450°F for an hour. For everyday care, wash with hot water, dry completely, and add a light coat of oil. This makes a perfect non-stick surface for all your cooking needs.

Why Cast Iron is Perfect for Chicken and Rice Dishes

Cast iron skillets are great at holding in heat, which is exactly what you want for cooking chicken and rice. They give chicken a nice, crispy outside and keep the rice soft. Plus, they cook everything evenly, so your whole meal is just right

With a good cast iron skillet and some care, you can whip up chicken and rice in a snap. These skillets are so useful that they’re a kitchen essential.

Classic One-Skillet Chicken Thighs & Rice

I enjoy making this easy one-skillet dish with chicken thighs and jasmine rice. It’s great for quick meals that taste great. I’ll show you how to make this tasty meal that your family will love.

Ingredients and Seasoning Blend

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the seasoning blend, combine:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon harissa
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon jerk powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the seasoning blend, then rub it onto the chicken thighs. Let them marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Then, sear the chicken for 5 minutes on each side, starting with the skin-side down, until it’s brown.
4. Take out the chicken, and, in the same skillet, cook the garlic and rice for 1 minute.
5. Pour in the chicken stock. Once it’s boiling, turn down the heat to low.
6. Put the chicken back in the skillet, skin-side up.
7. Cover and bake it all for 35 minutes at 350°F.
8. After that, uncover and bake for 10 more minutes. It makes the skin really crispy.

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken Skin

To get that perfect crispy skin, make sure to dry the chicken thighs. Drying them helps the skin crisp up when cooked. Also, the final step of baking should be done uncovered. This step makes the skin extra crispy. For more tasty one-pan recipes, like this healthy beef and broccoli stir fry.

Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Skillet: A Family Favorite

Making teriyaki chicken and rice skillet for my family is a joy. One-pan means less mess. Plus, it’s fast and you can mix it up as you like. The teriyaki sauce makes it shine, combining juicy chicken, soft rice, and crunchy veggies beautifully.

Here’s what I need first:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups white rice
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For the special sauce, here’s what goes in:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (use tamari if avoiding gluten)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce

First, I brown the chicken in my skillet. It gets a golden crisp. Then, in go the veggies to cook a bit. After, I mix in the rice and sauce. It bakes at 350°F, letting everything blend for 35 minutes.

This one-pan meal is tasty and good for you. Let’s look at its health benefits:

People of all ages love this dish. It’s easy to change up. Just switch ingredients or tweak the sauce to your liking. And for anyone who needs it, there’s a gluten-free option.

Spicy Harissa Chicken and Rice: Adding Heat to Your Meal

Spice up dinner with a fiery harissa chicken and rice skillet. Harissa paste adds heat and Mediterranean zest to this one-pan dish. Get ready for this spicy chicken meal to make your taste buds tingle!

Ingredients and Preparation

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 4 chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 diced onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of harissa paste. Next, sear the chicken in a hot skillet until it turns golden brown. Then, set it aside.

Customizing Spice Levels

Harissa paste is spicy, so use it as you like. For mild heat, add one tablespoon. For those who love spiciness, use up to three tablespoons. You can add more at the table for a bigger kick.

Pairing with Cooling Side Dishes

Cool down the spiciness with refreshing sides. A cucumber salad or a yogurt sauce works well. They make the spicy dish milder. For more cooling ideas, see this stir-fry recipe for dishes that go well with something cooling.

This harissa chicken and rice dish brings North African flavors to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. It’s not only tasty but also a favorite for the whole family. Every bite offers the perfect mix of spice and comfort.

Mediterranean-Inspired Lemon Chicken and Rice Skillet

Bringing Mediterranean flavors to my table is easy with this lemon chicken and rice skillet. It combines the zest of lemons, the aroma of oregano, and the filling vibe of rice in 40 minutes.

I use 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken for this. It’s seasoned with lemon zest, oregano, and garlic. The chicken gets a nice golden crust by cooking it in a cast iron skillet for 5-7 minutes each side.

Then, in the same skillet, I sauté a diced yellow onion. I add jasmine rice and chicken broth next. The rice cooks for about 25 minutes, until it’s soft. Right at the end, I put the chicken back to cook through.

To really make those Med flavors pop, I mix in cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and some feta cheese. Sometimes, I throw in some Kalamata olives for a Greek touch.

This dish feeds 6. Each serving has around 590 calories, 56g of protein, and 49g of carbs. It’s a great fit for the Mediterranean diet.

The leftovers are just as good. Keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze them for 3 months. You can mix it up, like using seafood or chickpeas to go vegan.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice: Comfort Food at Its Best

I enjoy making creamy garlic Parmesan chicken and rice in my cast iron skillet. It’s a perfect comfort meal, ready in 30 minutes. Great for those busy nights when you want something filling and tasty!

Choosing the Right Cheese Blend

To get the best taste, I combine Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Parmesan brings a salty, nutty flavor, and mozzarella adds a creamy, gooey texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture

Getting creamy rice right is about the method and what you use. I mix 1 cup of long-grain white rice with 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Then, I add 1/2 cup of heavy cream towards the end of cooking. This mix gives the dish a smooth, rich texture everyone loves.

Here’s a list of the main ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

This meal serves four and is about 458 calories per serving. It has 32g of protein and 47g of carbs, making it a filling dinner choice. The cast iron skillet gives a crispy top and keeps the inside creamy and tasty.

Cajun Chicken and Dirty Rice: Southern Comfort in a Skillet

Today, I’m sharing a top pick from the Southern cuisine – Cajun chicken paired with dirty rice. This dish is a one-pan wonder, perfect for those busy nights. And it tastes just as good the next day. The smoky flavors from the cast iron skillet go hand-in-hand with the bold Cajun seasoning.

Here’s what you’ll need for the Cajun seasoning:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Here’s how to cook it all up:

1. Start by warming up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 10.5″ cast iron skillet.
2. Coat 1 pound of chicken breasts with your prepared Cajun mix.
3. Do a quick sear, three minutes each side, then set your chicken aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté 1/2 cup of diced onion, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
5. Mix in 1 cup of uncooked Jasmine rice and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
6. Bring the chicken back into on top of the rice, cover it up, and let it bake at 375°F for 35-45 minutes.

This offering of dirty rice is not just tasty, it’s also good for you. Each plate serves up 482 calories, 42g protein, and 49g carbohydrates. It can last in the fridge up to 4 days, perfect for preparing meals ahead of time. Add a bit of hot sauce if you like it spicy, and some scallions for that extra touch of vivid flavor.

Asian-Fusion Soy-Ginger Chicken and Rice Bowl

I love making Asian dishes in my cast iron skillet. This soy-ginger chicken and rice bowl is a hit in our home. It’s ready in just 25 minutes, serving 4 for a fast dinner.

Balancing Sweet and Savory Flavors

This chicken and rice’s secret is perfect flavor harmony. I mix 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons ginger, and 1 tablespoon of honey. This makes a tasty sauce that flavors the chicken well.

Incorporating Vegetables for a Complete Meal

For a healthier option, I add fresh veggies. I quickly cook 1 cup bell peppers and 1 cup snap peas. In the skillet, they gain a beautiful char without losing their crunch.

Here’s how I whip it up:

1. Marinate 1 lb chicken thighs with soy sauce, ginger, and honey for 15 mins
2. Cook the chicken in the skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes each side
3. Take out the chicken, stir-fry the veggies
4. Put the chicken back, mix in 2 cups of cooked rice
5. Top with green onions and serve

For a tasty addition, try pairing it with pan-fried dumplings. It’s a lot like this shrimp and dumpling stir-fry. The meal weighs in at around 327 calories per serving, fitting for a good meal.

Herb-Roasted Chicken and Wild Rice Pilaf

I enjoy making big, tasty meals with my cast iron skillet, like this herb-roasted chicken and wild rice pilaf. It combines fresh herbs, juicy chicken, and a tasty wild rice mix. This dinner is great for any day of the week.

For this dish, gather these ingredients:

• 6 bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 1/2 cups wild rice blend
• 1/2 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 6 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup chopped celery

First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Dry the chicken thighs with paper towels and season them. Heat olive oil in your skillet on the stovetop. Put the chicken in, skin down, and let it fry for 5 minutes until it’s crispy.

Take the chicken out and keep it warm. In the same skillet, combine wild rice blend, orzo, mushrooms, and celery. Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer. Finally, place the chicken thighs on top, skin up.

Put the skillet in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. The chicken will be perfectly cooked, and the rice soft. This one-pan meal is full of flavor and easy to make.

This recipe makes enough for 6 people and takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. It’s healthy, tasty, and ideal for family meals or parties with friends.

BBQ Chicken and Cheesy Rice Skillet: A Kid-Friendly Option

This meal is a hit with kids and adults alike. It blends BBQ chicken and cheezy rice in one pan. This means less time spent on cleanup and more time enjoying dinner.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought BBQ Sauce

If you love BBQ sauce, you’ve got choices. Making it at home lets you pick your own ingredients. But there’s no shame in using a good store-bought one when you’re busy.

The best part is the cast iron skillet. It helps the sauce become extra tasty by caramelizing it.

Adding Hidden Vegetables for Picky Eaters

Vegetables are a great addition for nutrition. Dicing them small and mixing them with the rice works wonders. Your kids won’t even notice them under all that cheese and BBQ goodness.

Let’s dive into the recipe:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• 2 cups uncooked rice
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
• 3 cups water
• 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup finely diced carrots or zucchini

Bake everything at 350°F for around an hour. A whopping 4.79 out of 5 stars from 116 reviewers speaks to its family-friendly nature. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to four days.

Coconut Curry Chicken and Basmati Rice: An Exotic Twist

I enjoy making exotic dishes at home. One favorite is Coconut Curry Chicken with Basmati Rice. It mixes coconut milk’s creaminess with curry powder’s warm spices. This meal takes your taste on a journey, especially when topped on fragrant basmati rice. It’s all cooked in one pan, making it not just tasty but easy to make.

Here’s what you’ll need for this adventure:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt and pepper to taste

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a bit of curry powder. Brown it in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then set it aside. In the same skillet, briefly cook the spices until they smell amazing. Then, pour in the coconut milk and simmer. Put the chicken back, cooking for another 15 minutes.

While that’s going, cook your basmati rice how the package tells you. When the chicken is ready, serve it over the rice. Pour that delicious coconut curry sauce over everything.

This meal is both tasty and flexible. You can tweak the spiciness by adjusting the curry powder. Using a cast iron skillet ensures every bite is packed with flavor. It’s loved by many, rated 4.7/5 stars from over 300 reviews. So, it’s bound to be a hit in your family too.

Time-Saving Tips for Weeknight Cast Iron Skillet Meals

Busy nights need quick meals. I’ve got tips for making tasty meals fast with a cast iron skillet. We’ll cover prep strategies and choosing the best rice. These will help make your weeknight cooking easy.

Prep-Ahead Strategies

Meal prep is vital for quick dinners. I start by cutting veggies and marinating chicken on Sundays. This simple step halves my cooking time on weekdays. For a chicken and rice skillet, I chop onions and bell peppers early. It really speeds things up.

Selecting Quick-Cooking Rice Varieties

Choosing the right rice saves time. I pick jasmine or basmati rice for their quick cooking time. They’re done in 15-20 minutes, which is great for busy evenings. For the fastest option, go for instant rice. It’s ready in just 5 minutes!

Pair these tips with your trusty cast iron skillet for fast, tasty meals. Enjoy the quick cooking!

Nutritional Benefits of Cast Iron Skillet Cooking

Using a cast iron skillet is great for your health. These pans naturally enrich your food with iron. For example, when we cook tomato sauces, the food gets a little extra iron. This is good news for anyone who might not be getting enough iron in their diet.

Eating fewer carbs is easy with a cast iron skillet. I switch out regular rice for cauliflower rice in my meals. Cauliflower rice reduces the carbs but still makes a fulfilling dish. The skillet cooks it just right, keeping that rice-like texture we love.

If you need gluten free meals, cast iron skillets are perfect. Quinoa is a fantastic gluten-free rice alternative. It’s full of protein and fiber. The skillet’s great at evenly cooking quinoa, giving you fluffy grains. The non-stick surface means I don’t need much oil, which is better for my health.