Chicken Mushroom Rice Dinner

Category: Complete Meals with Minimal Cleanup

Enjoy a comforting skillet meal featuring juicy chicken strips seared and combined with golden mushrooms and tender, fluffy rice. The dish is prepared entirely in one pan, first browning the chicken and mushrooms for layered depth, then simmering everything with garlic, golden mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Cooking the rice alongside the chicken infuses every grain with plenty of savory flavor, while fresh rosemary adds an aromatic finish. Great for quick weeknight dinners, this dish is hearty, filling, and has minimal cleanup. Garnish with extra rosemary for a fresh touch before serving.

A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Thu, 05 Jun 2025 20:20:47 GMT
A plate of chicken, mushrooms and rice. Pin
A plate of chicken, mushrooms and rice. | mellierecipes.com

This one-pan chicken and mushroom rice is the kind of comforting dinner I make when I need something hearty but quick. Tender chicken, savory brothy rice, and buttery mushrooms all cook together in about half an hour, making weeknights feel special with minimal effort.

Every time I make this, the aroma takes me back to my childhood kitchen Our family used to gather around the table for this after busy evenings

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: choose large pieces so the meat stays juicy and tender when cooked
  • Salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning and flavor balance
  • Onion powder: gives depth and savory notes
  • Paprika: brightens the color and adds subtle smokiness
  • Dried thyme: adds warmth and herbal flavor go for fresh if it is handy
  • Olive oil: coats the skillet and helps the chicken get that beautiful sear pick a good quality extra virgin
  • Fresh mushrooms: I love baby bellas for a meaty texture avoid washing them with water so they brown well
  • Butter: the secret for richness and that silky mushroom sauce
  • Minced garlic: infuses the dish with aroma and zest
  • Long grain white rice: makes the base light and fluffy long grain works best for separate grains
  • Golden Mushroom condensed soup: brings a savory backbone and binds the grains use straight from the can
  • Chicken broth: builds flavor and helps the rice cook moist and tender pick a low sodium version for more control
  • Minced fresh rosemary for garnish: adds fragrance and a burst of green color optional but lovely

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Cut your chicken breasts into thick strips about three quarters of an inch wide Toss them in a bowl with salt black pepper onion powder paprika and dried thyme Use your hands to make sure each piece is coated evenly This step ensures your chicken will be flavorful in every bite
Brown the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium high Once hot pour in enough olive oil to just lightly coat the pan Working in batches so you do not crowd the pan sear each chicken strip for about two to three minutes per side Transfer them out of the skillet as soon as both sides have some color You want browning without cooking through since they will finish in the rice later
Sauté the Mushrooms:
Return the skillet to heat and add the butter Once it is melted toss in your mushrooms Spread them in a single layer and let them sizzle undisturbed for several minutes Let them get deep golden brown edges Stir and continue cooking for about four or five minutes total This makes them meaty and packed with flavor
Cook the Garlic and Rice:
Add the minced garlic and uncooked white rice to the skillet with the mushrooms Turn the heat down to medium Stir well and let this cook for three to four minutes Watch for the garlic becoming fragrant and the rice beginning to look a little glossy which means it is getting ready to absorb more flavor
Simmer the Rice Mixture:
Pour in the chicken broth and spoon in the condensed soup Stir everything together well making sure to scrape along the bottom with a fork so no rice sticks Bring the skillet to a gentle boil
Finish with Chicken:
Nestle the reserved chicken strips along with any little juices back into the skillet Reduce the heat to low Cover with a tight fitting lid and let it simmer for twenty to twenty five minutes Make sure it stays at a gentle bubble Use a fork to stir the bottom of the pan a couple of times during the first ten minutes to prevent sticking After that leave it untouched and let the rice steam until tender
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat Let it sit covered for about five minutes Scatter a little freshly minced rosemary over the top if you like Serve right from the pan and enjoy all the flavors mingled together
A plate of chicken, mushrooms, and rice. Pin
A plate of chicken, mushrooms, and rice. | mellierecipes.com

The butter soaked mushrooms steal the show for me Once my daughter took the first bite and asked for seconds right away it became our go to comfort meal

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool in the skillet or transfer to an airtight container Once cool refrigerate for up to three days To reheat add a sprinkle of water or broth to keep the rice moist and microwave gently or warm in a pan over low heat This recipe does not freeze as well since the mushrooms can get a bit watery but it works for a quick work lunch

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs are just as tasty and stay juicy If you do not have golden mushroom condensed soup regular cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup will work well too For the mushrooms swap in button mushrooms or even shiitakes if you want a stronger flavor Dried rosemary can be used if fresh is not an option

Serving Suggestions

This dish can stand alone but sometimes I add a crisp green salad on the side for freshness Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli are perfect companions Since the rice is so flavorful you do not need much else I have also served this as a comforting dish for potlucks and it always disappears quickly

Cultural and Historical Context

Chicken and rice dishes show up in so many cultures but this skillet method reminds me of classic American casseroles Growing up we relied on condensed soups and pantry staples for quick meals on busy nights The addition of mushrooms and fresh herbs bridges everyday cooking with just a touch of special occasion flavor

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes! Chicken thighs or tenderloins work well. Just cut them into strips for best results.

→ What's the best way to clean mushrooms?

Avoid water if possible. Brush off any dirt with a pastry brush or cloth so they brown nicely in the pan.

→ Can I use another type of soup if I don't have Golden Mushroom?

Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken are good substitutes, though flavor will vary slightly.

→ How can I keep the chicken tender?

Sear pieces quickly and finish cooking with the rice so the chicken stays moist and juicy.

→ What kind of rice should I use?

Long-grain white rice is recommended for the best texture, but similar varieties can also work.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers reheat well if stored covered in the refrigerator.

Chicken Mushroom Rice Skillet

Sautéed chicken, mushrooms, and rice come together in one pot for a rich, comforting skillet meal.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
30 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: One-Pot Meals

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: American

Result Amount: 6 Portions (Serves 6)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Chicken

01 3 large chicken breasts, cut into 2 cm wide strips
02 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
04 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
05 1/2 teaspoon paprika
06 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

→ For cooking

07 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 12 ounces (340 g) fresh mushrooms, sliced
09 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 2 tablespoons minced garlic

→ Grains and Liquids

11 1.5 cups (285 g) long-grain white rice
12 1 can (approx. 298 g) Golden Mushroom condensed soup
13 3 cups (710 ml) chicken broth

→ Herbs (optional)

14 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary

How to Prepare

Step 01

Slice chicken breasts into strips approximately 2 cm wide. Combine with salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and thyme, mixing thoroughly to ensure even coating.

Step 02

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to coat the base. Working in two batches, sear chicken strips on each side until browned, then transfer them to a plate. Ensure chicken is not cooked through at this stage.

Step 03

Add butter to the skillet and increase heat to high. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well browned.

Step 04

Reduce heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic and rice, cooking for 3–4 minutes until the rice is coated and garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 05

Pour in chicken broth and add the condensed mushroom soup directly from the can. Stir to thoroughly combine, scraping the skillet’s bottom with a fork to prevent rice from sticking. Bring to a boil.

Step 06

Return browned chicken and any collected juices to the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes or until rice is tender. For the first 10 minutes, stir the bottom of the pan occasionally with a fork, then keep covered for the remaining cooking time.

Step 07

Uncover and check rice doneness. If desired, garnish with minced fresh rosemary before serving.

Extra Tips

  1. Cutting chicken into wide strips helps retain juiciness and encourages even browning.
  2. Baby bella or button mushrooms both deliver excellent results; ensure they are dry before sautéing to promote browning.
  3. Add Golden Mushroom Soup directly from the can without dilution.
  4. Chicken thighs or tenderloins are suitable alternatives and can be prepared similarly.

Tools Required

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Sharp kitchen knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains dairy from butter and possibly condensed soup
  • Contains gluten if soup or broth is not gluten-free

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 294.94
  • Fat Content: 17.73 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 36.25 grams
  • Protein Content: 11.09 grams