Dive into a quick and easy culinary adventure with our One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice! Featuring succulent chicken pieces, creamy Parmesan, hearty rice, and a blend of spices, this dish turns your dinner into a gourmet experience in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want to impress without the stress.
Oh, the memories! This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe holds a special place in my heart. It was the first dish I cooked in my tiny kitchen when I moved out on my own. It was supposed to be a simple meal to christen my new, albeit slightly cramped, cooking space. But as the aromas filled the room and the flavors melded perfectly in that one magical pan, I knew I had stumbled upon something great. This dish has seen many dinner parties, impressed a number of tough critics (aka my in-laws), and has been my go-to comfort meal ever since. It’s more than just food; it’s a collection of joyful moments, one creamy, cheesy bite at a time.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
Our One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice isn’t just a meal; it’s a lifesaver for any time-crunched soul needing a gourmet pick-me-up. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Efficiency at Its Best: Everything cooks in one pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This is your kitchen’s new best friend!
- Flavorful Fusion: The combination of fresh garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese provides a rich, deep flavor that infuses every bite of tender chicken and fluffy rice.
- Weeknight Wonder: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those evenings when you want a delicious dinner without the wait.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with whatever you have on hand. Throw in some veggies, switch up the cheese, or use different herbs to make it your own!
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk about the ingredients that make the One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice so delightful:
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, making them perfect for this dish. Cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Long Grain White Rice: The ideal choice for its fluffy texture and ability to absorb all the yummy flavors.
- Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese: These add the creamy, cheesy goodness that elevates this dish from simple to spectacular.
- Seasonings: A mix of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper perfectly complements the creamy texture with a hint of herbaceous zest.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 large onion finely diced
- 3 cloves of garlic minced (approximately 3 teaspoons)
- 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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Preparation of Ingredients: Begin by preheating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely.
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Sautéing Onions: Introduce the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the onion starts to soften.
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Cooking Chicken: Place the cubed chicken in the skillet, along with the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is uniformly golden on all sides.
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Adding Garlic: Incorporate the minced garlic into the skillet, stirring continuously for one minute to prevent it from burning.
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Combining Broth and Rice: Add the chicken broth and rice to the skillet. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
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Simmering the Dish: Bring the contents of the skillet to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and allow it to simmer for 17-20 minutes. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
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Final Additions: Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is homogeneous and creamy.
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Serving: Serve the dish immediately, optionally garnished with chopped parsley to enhance its visual appeal and add a fresh flavor contrast.
How To Make The One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
Let’s break down the cooking process into simple steps that will guarantee your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice turns out perfectly every time:
- Step 1: Start by melting butter in a large skillet. This is where the foundation of flavor begins. Add onions and let them sweat until just tender—those little golden bits are flavor goldmines!
- Step 2: Toss in the chicken, seasoned with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Sear until golden; this not only enhances the dish’s visual appeal but locks in the juices.
- Step 3: Next, stir in garlic for that aromatic kick—just a minute will do, as you don’t want it to burn.
- Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle in the rice. This mixture should be stirred well before bringing it to a boil and then simmering. Covering the pan helps the rice cook perfectly, absorbing all the flavors.
- Step 5: The finale involves a luxurious swirl of heavy cream and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. This final touch adds a creamy, cheesy layer that beautifully ties together the chicken and rice.
Storage Options
The beauty of this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice extends to its storage versatility. Cool any leftovers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll happily keep for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to bring back the dish’s creamy texture. Freezing is possible but may alter the creaminess, so a quick re-emulsion on the stovetop with a bit more cream or broth might be needed upon thawing.
Variations and Substitutions
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is as flexible as it is delicious. Here are a few ways to tweak it to your taste:
- Swap the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? No problem. Try it with shrimp or keep it vegetarian with chickpeas.
- Change the Cheese: If Parmesan isn’t your thing, or you’re feeling adventurous, try other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino.
- Add Veggies: Spin some greens into this dish by adding spinach, kale, or peas right before you stir in the cream and cheese.
- Rice Options: Brown rice can be used for a healthier twist, though it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time.
There you have it—a delightful breakdown of the One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe that promises taste, convenience, and flexibility in every bite!
