Description
This one-pan creamy Parmesan chicken and rice dish is a comforting and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are browned and then simmered with rice, garlic, onions, and a flavorful blend of chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich and creamy skillet dinner. Garnished with fresh parsley, this all-in-one recipe combines simplicity with delicious flavors for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Cooking Base
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Liquid
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Garnish
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes until they are lightly browned on the outside but not fully cooked through.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Add the uncooked long-grain white rice to the skillet along with the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer gently for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to sit covered for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but increase the liquid quantity and cooking time accordingly to ensure the rice cooks fully.
- For added nutrition and flavor, stir in fresh spinach or peas at the end of cooking before the resting period.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash more chicken broth or cream while simmering.
- Make sure to not overcook the chicken during the initial browning step to keep it tender.
