Description
Savory one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Cheesy, hearty goodness mingles with tender chicken, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Grains and Liquid Base:
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating an even heat surface for cooking.
- Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring each piece is evenly covered with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
- Carefully sear chicken until a rich golden-brown crust develops, approximately 4-5 minutes per side, creating a flavorful exterior seal.
- Transfer chicken to a temporary plate, preserving the crispy exterior.
- Utilize the same skillet to sauté minced garlic and diced onions, releasing their fragrant essential oils and developing a deep flavor base.
- Introduce uncooked rice into the skillet, followed by rich chicken broth and velvety heavy cream, stirring to create a harmonious mixture.
- Gently nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the liquid-rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.
- Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the dish to simmer quietly for 20-25 minutes, enabling the rice to absorb liquid and the chicken to cook thoroughly.
- Once cooking is complete, sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a luxurious, creamy sauce.
- Finish by scattering fresh parsley across the surface, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the rich dish.
Notes
- Make sure chicken is evenly seasoned by patting it dry before adding spices for better browning and flavor absorption.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe cooking without overcooking.
- Choose long-grain white rice for best texture and consistent absorption of liquid during cooking.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or chicken stock mixed with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg