Description
Indulge in this comforting one-pan creamy Parmesan chicken and rice dish, where tender chicken meets perfectly cooked rice in a rich, cheesy sauce. Simple, delicious, and perfect for any day of the week!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice and toast for 2–3 minutes with the onions and garlic for added flavor.
- Simmer Together: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan.
- Cook Through: Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add Parmesan: Remove the lid and stir in Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce thicken for 2–3 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rice Selection Matters: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and quick cooking. If substituting with brown rice, increase the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan may contain anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For a creamy, velvety sauce, freshly grate the cheese.
- Don’t Skip Searing the Chicken: Searing locks in juices and adds a layer of savory flavor to the dish. Ensure the chicken is golden-brown before removing it from the pan.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 35 min