Description
Succulent one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice combines comfort and convenience in a single skillet. Savory chicken nestles among perfectly cooked rice, creating a rich, cheesy meal families will devour with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Dairy:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
Grains and Base:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating for robust flavor profile.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering, approximately 2 minutes.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into hot skillet, browning each side until golden and developing rich caramelization, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer browned chicken to a temporary plate, preserving skillet’s flavorful residue.
- Reduce heat to medium and introduce finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the same skillet, sautéing until aromatic and translucent, releasing their sweet essence.
- Incorporate uncooked rice, gently toasting for 2-3 minutes while continuously stirring to prevent burning and enhance nutty undertones.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious liquid base, and stir thoroughly to integrate ingredients.
- Allow mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then nestle browned chicken breasts back into the skillet.
- Cover tightly with lid, reducing heat to low, and let contents gently cook for 20-25 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken reaches perfect doneness.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, stirring until completely melted and sauce transforms into a silky, creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Customize chicken thickness by pounding breasts to even 1/2-inch thickness for consistent, faster cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming overly salty.
- For gluten-free variation, replace regular rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to reduce carbohydrate content.
- Create dairy-free alternative by substituting heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
- Cook Time: 27-31 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg