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creamy garlic chicken skillet with rice, easy, cheap dinner for 2
Vicky Sharma

Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet with Rice (Cheap Dinner for 2)

A rich and comforting creamy garlic chicken skillet served with fluffy rice. This is one of the best cheap dinner ideas for 2, quick, budget-friendly, and packed with restaurant-style flavor using simple pantry ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

For Chicken
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
For Sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 2 cups water
  • Pinch of salt
  • Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Medium saucepan (for rice)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Tongs (for flipping chicken)
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Lid (for saucepan)
  • Meat thermometer (recommended for accuracy)

Method
 

Step 1: Cook Rice
  1. Rinse rice under cold water. Cook with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 15–18 minutes until tender and fluffy.
Step 2: Season Chicken
  1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 3: Sear Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
    Searing chicken in a skillet until golden brown for dinner recipe
Step 4: Sauté Garlic
  1. In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Make Sauce
  1. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the pan. Add cream, oregano, and chili flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
    Making creamy garlic sauce with broth and cream for chicken
Step 6: Combine Chicken
  1. Return chicken to the pan. Spoon sauce over it and cook for 5 minutes.
    chicken cooking in creamy garlic sauce in skillet
Step 7: Add Cheese
  1. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
Step 8: Serve
  1. Serve hot over rice and garnish with fresh parsley.
    creamy garlic chicken with rice, cheap dinner ideas for 2

Video

Notes

  • Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F internal temperature (USDA guideline).
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan while searing to get a golden crust.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by adding broth (thin) or simmering longer (thick).
  • Rinsing rice helps remove excess starch for a fluffy texture.
Storage & Reheating
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge
  • Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or milk
  • Avoid over-microwaving to prevent dry chicken
Recipe Variations
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier texture
  • Add mushrooms for extra flavor
  • Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version