Description
Hearty one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice delivers comfort and convenience in a single skillet. Quick preparation meets restaurant-quality flavor, promising a delicious meal that satisfies hunger and delights senses.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 large chicken breasts
Starches:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 medium onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil, creating a sizzling base for the chicken.
- Coat chicken pieces with a blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Sear chicken until achieving a golden-brown exterior on both sides, developing rich flavor and color.
- Transfer chicken to a temporary plate, preserving the caramelized essence in the skillet.
- Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the same skillet, allowing them to release their aromatic oils.
- Add uncooked rice, creating a foundation for the one-pan meal.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine and create a luxurious liquid base.
- Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, then immediately reduce heat to low.
- Carefully nestle seared chicken back into the skillet, ensuring each piece is partially submerged.
- Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes at low temperature, occasionally stirring to prevent rice from sticking.
- Verify rice tenderness and chicken’s internal temperature is fully cooked.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dish, gently folding until it melts into a creamy, cohesive sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make the dish lighter by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk for a healthier version.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the sautéing stage for deeper aromatic notes.
- Ensure even cooking by using a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
- Transform into a gluten-free meal by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, maintaining the dish’s creamy texture and rich taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 495 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg