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Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Parmesan Chicken & Rice

This Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe is a comforting, quick, and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts, creamy freshly grated Parmesan, and fluffy long-grain white rice cooked in savory chicken broth. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave a hearty, home-cooked dinner that’s kid-friendly and adaptable.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, lean and tender

Rice & Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked

Dairy

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Liquids & Oils

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Aromatics & Herbs

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside while preparing the rice.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Rice: Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet, and melt. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, tossing to coat each grain in the buttery garlic mixture. Toast the rice lightly for 1 to 2 minutes.
  3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well and scraping browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet on top of the rice. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked through.
  4. Finish with Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and rice. Cover again and let rest for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt and blend into a creamy sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh color and aroma. Serve hot directly from the skillet and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor; pre-grated cheese is less vibrant.
  • Do not rush the simmering step; low heat allows rice to cook fluffy and evenly.
  • Let the dish rest covered after cooking to help the cheese melt smoothly into the rice.
  • For even cooking, pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness before browning.
  • Use a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and cook the rice perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: parmesan chicken, one pot meal, chicken and rice, quick dinner, kid friendly, gluten free, easy recipe