Description
One-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice combines comfort and convenience in a single skillet. Home cooks can savor this satisfying meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 4 tbsps unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsps Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it coats the bottom evenly and starts to shimmer.
- Toss diced onions into the skillet, stirring frequently until they turn translucent and become soft, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add cubed chicken seasoned with Italian herbs, black pepper, and salt. Sauté while stirring constantly, ensuring each piece develops a golden-brown exterior, about 5 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, quickly stirring to prevent burning and release its aromatic essence for 60 seconds.
- Pour chicken broth over the chicken and onion mixture, then sprinkle rice across the skillet. Gently mix to distribute ingredients uniformly.
- Elevate heat to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to medium-low. Cover the skillet and allow contents to simmer quietly for 18-19 minutes, or until rice absorbs most liquid and becomes tender.
- Uncover and swirl heavy cream into the skillet, then fold in Parmesan cheese until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Transfer the creamy chicken and rice directly to serving plates, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and herbaceous note.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Ensure chicken is cut into uniform cubes for consistent cooking and texture.
- Rinse rice before adding to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels to achieve better browning and crispy exterior.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or peas during the final simmering stage for increased nutrition.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like Romano or Asiago for unique flavor profiles.
- If avoiding dairy, use dairy-free milk alternatives and nutritional yeast for creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 495 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 660 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg