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One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
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A comforting and hassle-free one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken breasts, fluffy long grain white rice, and a rich, creamy parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines savory flavors and minimal cleanup in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for family meals or quick solo dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Grains

  • 1 cup long grain white rice

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Cheese & Dairy

  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Aromatics & Seasoning

  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish (Optional)

  • Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will finish cooking with the rice.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: Remove the seared chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked long grain rice and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir gently to combine.
  4. Simmer with Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the liquid. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top and stir gently to incorporate it into the creamy sauce. Allow the cheese to melt thoroughly, thickening the sauce and adding rich flavor.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and melting properties.
  • Simmer gently on low heat to let rice absorb the creamy sauce perfectly.
  • Searing the chicken locks in moisture for juicy meat.
  • Use a tight lid to trap steam and ensure even cooking of rice and chicken.
  • Adjust creaminess by reducing broth slightly or adding cream cheese or mascarpone.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to maintain creamy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan dinner, creamy parmesan chicken, chicken and rice, easy weeknight meal, comfort food, family friendly, skillet recipe

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