Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hearty Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Hearty Parmesan Chicken & Rice


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice delivers comfort through rich, cheesy flavors and simple preparation. Savory ingredients combine effortlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 cup rice (long-grain white)
  • 2 cups (16 fl oz) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz) heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1 onion (small, finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • Parsley (fresh, chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep Protein: Season chicken breasts thoroughly with salt and pepper, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden-brown crust on chicken by cooking 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. Build Aromatics: Reduce heat and sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic, stirring to prevent burning and develop a fragrant base.
  4. Toast Rice: Introduce rice to the skillet, gently toasting until grains turn golden and release a nutty aroma.
  5. Create Liquid Base: Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to blend ingredients into a smooth, creamy mixture.
  6. Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet, partially submerging in the rice mixture. Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches perfect doneness.
  7. Finish and Enhance: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dish, stirring until completely melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and plate immediately, preserving the dish’s optimal temperature and creamy consistency.

Notes

  • Optimize Chicken Searing: Brown chicken on medium-high heat to lock in juices and develop a flavorful golden crust, which enhances overall dish depth.
  • Rice Toasting Technique: Gently toast rice grains before adding liquid to release nutty flavors and prevent clumping, creating a more complex taste profile.
  • Moisture Management: Keep skillet covered during simmering to trap steam, ensuring rice cooks evenly and chicken remains tender and succulent.
  • Cheese Melting Tip: Add Parmesan off heat to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 687
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 570 mg
  • Fat: 43 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 mg