Hello, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share a delicious and comforting recipe that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends. We’re diving into the rich, creamy world of Parmesan Chicken & Rice in One Skillet. This one-pan meal is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packs in bold flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
Introduction
If you’re searching for a meal that’s both elegant and simple, look no further than this Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe. This dish combines tender chicken breasts, creamy Parmesan rice, and savory garlic flavors, all cooked together in one skillet. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a restaurant-quality meal but can be made in under 40 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or a last-minute dinner party, this one-skillet wonder brings everything together with minimal cleanup.
A little backstory: this dish takes inspiration from classic Italian flavors, but with an American twist. The Parmesan adds a nutty richness, while the garlic and onion create the perfect flavor base for the chicken and rice to absorb. It’s comforting, creamy, and utterly satisfying. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Parmesan Chicken & Rice in One Skillet, you’ll need:
- 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)
Feel free to customize the recipe by substituting certain ingredients. For example, you can use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and a nutty flavor. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk can replace heavy cream, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
How to Make Parmesan Chicken & Rice in One Skillet
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Parmesan Chicken & Rice in One Skillet:
- Season and Brown the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and brown it on both sides until golden. This should take about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the onions are translucent. - Toast the Rice
Add the rice to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn. Toasting the rice will give it a nutty flavor that pairs well with the Parmesan. - Add the Liquid
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. - Cook the Chicken and Rice
Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet tightly and reduce the heat to low. Let the dish simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. - Add the Parmesan
Once the chicken and rice are cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the creamy mixture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. - Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Parmesan Chicken & Rice hot, with its creamy sauce and tender chicken.
Helpful Tips
- Use a Wide Skillet: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet will help the chicken cook evenly and allow the rice to absorb all the flavorful broth and cream.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Let the rice cook fully by keeping the heat low and the lid on. This ensures it absorbs all the liquid and becomes perfectly tender.
- Check for Doneness: Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check if it’s done before serving.
Cooking Tips
- Substitute for Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half. It will still give you a creamy texture but with fewer calories.
- Add Vegetables: To make this dish more nutritious, add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the skillet before simmering the rice. This adds more texture and flavor to the dish.
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: In a hurry? You can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Just skip the first step and mix the shredded chicken in when adding the broth and cream.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice pairs beautifully with a fresh, crisp side salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For an extra indulgent meal, you could serve it alongside garlic bread or a light white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
If you’re serving this for a dinner party, consider garnishing the dish with extra Parmesan shavings or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for added flair. The dish’s golden-brown chicken and creamy rice also look beautiful served family-style in the skillet.
Nutritional Information
This recipe provides a balanced meal, with plenty of protein from the chicken and carbs from the rice. Here’s a brief summary of the nutritional content:
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Potassium: 600mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Vitamin C: 4%
- Calcium: 25%
- Iron: 8%
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, but make sure to stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
Creative Leftovers: You can turn leftovers into a creamy chicken and rice soup by adding extra broth and simmering until heated through. Another option is to shred the leftover chicken, mix it with the rice, and stuff it into a bell pepper for a baked stuffed pepper meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind that it takes longer to cook. You’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes and may need to add more liquid.
Can I freeze this dish?
While the rice and chicken freeze well, the creamy sauce may change in texture when reheated. If you plan to freeze it, do so without the cream and add it when reheating.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, you can substitute Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. For a milder taste, try using shredded mozzarella or Gruyère.
Related Recipes
Looking for more delicious one-pan meals? Check out these recipes:
-
Savory Chicken Parmesan Meatballs With Mozzarella
-
Creamy Coconut Curry Chicken With Rice Noodles And Veggies
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice in One Skillet. It’s a versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, thanks to its rich flavors and easy preparation. Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your feedback, or share any creative twists you made to the recipe. Happy cooking!
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Decadent Parmesan Chicken & Rice in One Skillet
Description
Hello, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share a delicious and comforting recipe that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends. We’re diving into the rich, creamy world of Parmesan Chicken & Rice in One Skillet. This one-pan meal is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packs in bold flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
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
- Season and Brown the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and brown it on both sides until golden. This should take about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the onions are translucent. - Toast the Rice
Add the rice to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn. Toasting the rice will give it a nutty flavor that pairs well with the Parmesan. - Add the Liquid
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. - Cook the Chicken and Rice
Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet tightly and reduce the heat to low. Let the dish simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. - Add the Parmesan
Once the chicken and rice are cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the creamy mixture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. - Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Parmesan Chicken & Rice hot, with its creamy sauce and tender chicken.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use a Wide Skillet: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet will help the chicken cook evenly and allow the rice to absorb all the flavorful broth and cream.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Let the rice cook fully by keeping the heat low and the lid on. This ensures it absorbs all the liquid and becomes perfectly tender.
- Check for Doneness: Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check if it’s done before serving.
