Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice. Tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce come together seamlessly in a single pan, making both preparation and cleanup a breeze. This flavorful and straightforward dish is ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
I appreciate this recipe for its simplicity and depth of flavor. The creamy Parmesan sauce envelops the tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of savory goodness. Cooking everything in one pan not only enhances the flavors but also means less time spent on cleanup, allowing me to enjoy the meal even more.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: I season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and brown on both sides until golden. Then, I remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, I add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Toast the Rice: I add the rice to the skillet, toasting it for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently to enhance its flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook Chicken and Rice: I return the chicken to the skillet, cover it tightly, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish with Parmesan: I stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy. I adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: I garnish the dish with chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
- Prep Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cook Time: About 30 minutes.
- Total Time: Around 40 minutes.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: I replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Low-Carb Version: I substitute the rice with cauliflower rice to reduce the carbohydrate content.
- Add Vegetables: I incorporate vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
- Herb Variations: I experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil to customize the flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: I freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: I reheat the dish in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture, or in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but I need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I can prepare it in advance and reheat before serving, though the texture of the rice might change slightly.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, I substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
What other cheeses can I use instead of Parmesan?
I can use Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers can enhance the nutrition and flavor of the dish.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is a delightful and convenient meal that brings comfort and satisfaction. Its rich flavors and simple preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether I’m cooking for my family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress and become a favorite in my household.
One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice recipe, a comforting dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this easy, flavorful recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the chicken on both sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the skillet, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice, toasting for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer.
- Cook Chicken and Rice: Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time for brown rice or cauliflower rice substitutions.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
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