Description
Parmesan chicken and rice deliver comfort in a single skillet, blending Italian-inspired flavors with creamy textures. Silky rice, tender chicken, and rich parmesan cheese combine for a wholesome meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Grains and Liquid Base:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Carefully season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage across both sides of the meat.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until it shimmers slightly, creating an ideal searing environment.
- Gently place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer browned chicken to a temporary plate, keeping the flavorful pan drippings intact.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and introduce finely diced onions, sautéing until they become translucent and release a soft, sweet aroma.
- Add minced garlic to the onions, stirring quickly to prevent burning and create a fragrant base.
- Introduce rice to the skillet, gently toasting the grains until they become slightly golden and emit a nutty fragrance.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to integrate all ingredients and create a smooth, creamy liquid.
- Carefully nestle the reserved chicken pieces back into the skillet, ensuring they are partially submerged in the creamy rice mixture.
- Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, reducing heat to low and allowing the dish to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes.
- Check rice tenderness and chicken’s internal temperature, confirming both are perfectly cooked.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, stirring until it melts completely and creates a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Serve immediately, allowing the creamy chicken and rice to be enjoyed at its peak temperature and consistency.
Notes
- Achieve a golden-brown sear on chicken by using high heat and avoiding overcrowding the skillet, which ensures maximum flavor development.
- Select medium-grain rice for optimal creaminess and texture, as it absorbs liquid better than long-grain varieties.
- Create a rich, velvety sauce by slowly simmering the rice in chicken broth and heavy cream, allowing the grains to release their starches.
- Prevent dry chicken by cooking on low heat and covering the skillet, trapping moisture and ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Transform a simple dish into a gourmet experience by stirring freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which adds depth and a luxurious, nutty flavor.
- Elevate the presentation with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, adding a bright, herbal note and a pop of color to the creamy chicken and rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 675
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 155mg