Description
Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a rich and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken pieces seared to perfection, fluffy rice cooked in savory chicken broth, and a luscious sauce made from heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This comforting meal is balanced with aromatic garlic, onion, and Italian herbs, making it a satisfying and delicious choice for dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Cheese & Cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
Aromatics & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter (plus 1 extra tablespoon for sautéing)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Mince the garlic cloves and finely chop the onion to build a flavorful base. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for a creamy texture and richer flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until golden brown on all sides, approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Rice: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of uncooked rice, coating the grains with the butter and aromatics for enhanced flavor. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook the rice for 15 to 18 minutes or until tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Add the Cream & Cheese: Once the rice is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and ¾ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Let it Rest & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting creamy Parmesan chicken and rice dish.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and texture.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier dish.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
- Brown rice can be used but will require longer cooking time and more broth.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Letting the dish rest after cooking helps the flavors to develop further.
