Description
Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice comes together faster than your weeknight dinner stress can build, delivering comfort straight from one trusty pan with golden chicken and dreamy rice that makes kitchen cleanup a breeze. Weeknight meals never looked this delicious without complicated steps or endless dishes to wash afterward.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 chicken breasts
Main Starches:
- 2 cups white rice
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Grab paper towels and thoroughly dry 4 chicken breasts, removing all surface moisture.
- Sprinkle 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder evenly across both sides of your chicken.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the surface looks shimmery and hot.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops.
- Transfer chicken to a clean plate once it reaches a beautiful caramel color on each side.
- Without cleaning the skillet, add 2 cups white rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour 1 cup chicken broth into the skillet, mixing thoroughly with the toasted rice.
- Gently return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them atop the rice mixture.
- Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low, creating a gentle cooking environment.
- Simmer for 18-20 minutes, ensuring rice becomes tender and chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove lid and stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup parmesan cheese, creating a creamy sauce.
- Allow the skillet to rest for 2-3 minutes so the sauce can thicken and meld with the rice and chicken.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley across the dish for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Always use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Choose a skillet with a heavy bottom and tight-fitting lid to ensure even cooking and prevent rice from burning.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, which will still create a creamy texture.
- Personalize the dish by adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms during the rice cooking stage for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 27-30 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 566 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 717 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 128 mg