Description
Savory one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens to your dinner table. Cheesy, herbed chicken nestles perfectly with fluffy rice, creating a soul-warming meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Grains and Liquid:
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Flavoring and Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the protein by generously coating chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Activate a large skillet over medium heat, introducing olive oil to create a sizzling cooking surface that will develop a rich golden crust on the chicken.
- Carefully position the seasoned chicken into the hot pan, allowing each side to caramelize for 4-5 minutes, creating a beautiful exterior that locks in moisture.
- Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a temporary resting plate, preserving its developing flavors.
- In the same fragrant pan, introduce diced onions and allow them to become translucent, releasing their sweet undertones.
- Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to awaken its aromatic essence without burning.
- Pour uncooked rice into the skillet, creating a base layer that will absorb the rich cooking liquids and develop a creamy texture.
- Stream in chicken broth and heavy cream, gently mixing to create a harmonious cooking liquid that will envelop the rice and chicken.
- Carefully nestle the seared chicken back into the rice mixture, ensuring each piece is partially submerged.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the ingredients to simmer and meld together, transforming the rice to tender perfection and completing the chicken’s cooking process.
- Once the rice reaches a soft consistency and chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove the protein from the pan.
- Fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the rice transforms into a luxuriously creamy accompaniment.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Slice the chicken into elegant medallions and arrange atop the decadent rice, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer more tender, juicy meat that won’t dry out easily during cooking.
- Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier whole grain alternative with added nutritional benefits.
- Create a gluten-free version by ensuring your chicken broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers directly into the rice mixture for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 724
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg