Description
Creamy parmesan chicken & rice delivers comfort straight from Mediterranean kitchens, blending tender chicken with rich, cheesy rice. Hearty ingredients meld seamlessly in a single skillet, promising delicious simplicity you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs, Spices, and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Grains and Liquids:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by generously coating each piece with a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage across the surface.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully placing the seasoned chicken to create a golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the seared chicken to a temporary plate.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce diced onions, sautéing until they become translucent and release their aromatic sweetness. Quickly incorporate minced garlic, stirring for 30 seconds to unlock its intense flavor.
- Introduce rice to the skillet, gently coating the grains with the fragrant butter and onion mixture. Pour chicken broth over the rice, allowing it to reach a gentle simmer.
- Nestle the previously seared chicken pieces atop the rice, creating a harmonious one-pan arrangement. Cover the skillet and reduce heat, allowing the rice to become tender and the chicken to cook thoroughly for about 20 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, temporarily remove the chicken. Stir heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the rice, creating a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, delicately coating the pieces with the rich, creamy rice mixture.
- Finish the dish by scattering chopped fresh parsley over the top, adding a burst of color and fresh herbal notes before serving immediately.
Notes
- Choose chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor that keeps the meat tender during cooking.
- Generously season the chicken with spices to create a robust flavor profile that penetrates the meat deeply.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in moisture and develops a delicious crispy exterior.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, diet-friendly alternatives that maintain creamy texture.
- Add frozen peas or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking to boost nutritional value and introduce extra color and freshness.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help rice absorb remaining liquid and chicken redistribute its juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg