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One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
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One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a simple and convenient weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts, aromatic garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese cooked together with fluffy long-grain white rice in a single skillet. This dish combines a luscious, comforting sauce with mild, family-friendly flavors and cooks in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings while ensuring minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

Liquids and Dairy

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Oils and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside to lock in flavor and juices.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Rice: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes to enhance flavor and prevent mushiness.
  3. Add Liquids and Bring to Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Heat the mixture to a gentle simmer, avoiding a vigorous boil to ensure even cooking of the rice.
  4. Return Chicken to the Pan: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the rice mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Finish with Parmesan and Herbs: Remove the lid once cooking is complete. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and gently stir to melt the cheese into the creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for brightness and color before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out.
  • Monitor the liquid levels during cooking to avoid burning or sticking of the rice.
  • Don’t rush the searing process; a golden crust adds rich flavor.
  • Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and a more vibrant taste.
  • Cover the pan tightly to trap steam, helping the rice cook perfectly and keeping chicken tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan dinner, creamy chicken, Parmesan chicken, chicken and rice, easy weeknight meal, comfort food, creamy rice dish

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/one-pan-creamy-parmesan-chicken-rice/