One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it requires minimal cleanup and delivers a satisfying, all-in-one meal.

Equipment:

• Large skillet or deep sauté pan with a lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
   • In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Cook the Rice:
   • Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the onions and garlic, stirring to coat the rice in the butter and oil. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
5. Add the Broth and Cream:
   • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Add the Parmesan and Seasonings:
   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme or Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Return the Chicken to the Pan:
   • Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.
8. Cook the Dish:
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the dish simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
9. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips:

• Vegetable Addition: You can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition. Stir them in during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
• Brown Rice Option: If using brown rice, increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes, and you may need to add a bit more liquid.
• Cheese Variation: For a twist, try using other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella in place of Parmesan.

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice dish is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, creamy rice, and rich Parmesan flavor, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of this one-pan wonder!