Description
Savory creamy parmesan chicken & rice delivers comfort on a plate, blending tender chicken with rich, cheesy goodness. Hearty ingredients meld together, promising a satisfying 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
Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:
- 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
- Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F until shimmering.
- Carefully place chicken into hot skillet, ensuring spacing between pieces. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, creating a crispy exterior. Transfer partially cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet with remaining fond, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until aromatics become translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Introduce rice to the skillet, allowing grains to toast and absorb existing flavors for 2-3 minutes. This technique enhances the rice’s nutty undertones and prevents potential mushiness.
- Gently pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to incorporate ingredients thoroughly. Bring liquid to a gentle simmer, then carefully return seared chicken to the pan.
- Cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and allow mixture to cook undisturbed for 20-25 minutes. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and rice becomes tender and fluffy.
- Remove skillet from heat and fold in Parmesan cheese until completely melted, creating a luxurious, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Plate directly from skillet, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Create a golden crust by ensuring the skillet is hot and avoiding overcrowding, which prevents steaming and promotes beautiful caramelization.
- Briefly toast rice in the pan before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavors and improve overall texture, preventing mushiness.
- Remove skillet from heat when stirring Parmesan to prevent cheese separation and maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
- Swap heavy cream with lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lower-fat versions, and use cauliflower rice for low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg