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One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
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A quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked rice. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights and minimizes cleanup while delivering rich, cheesy flavor everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts or thighs, seasoned with salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Rice and Sauce

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Optional Garnishes & Herbs

  • Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add Rice and Liquid: Add uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with butter and garlic. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, mixing to combine. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Cook the Chicken and Rice Together: Return seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover and simmer on low heat for 18-20 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  5. Stir in Parmesan and Finish: Remove lid and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the dish. Stir gently to melt the cheese into the sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and better searing.
  • Don’t skip searing; it adds a flavorful golden crust.
  • Avoid stirring rice too much during cooking to prevent mushiness.
  • Use fresh grated parmesan for richer taste and better melting.
  • Adjust broth quantity if rice appears too dry during cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, creamy parmesan chicken, chicken and rice, quick dinner, weeknight meal

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