Description
Homemade creamy parmesan chicken & rice delivers comfort on a plate with cheesy, savory goodness. Quick weeknight dinners welcome this hearty meal that satisfies hungry families and brings warmth to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup (185 g) long-grain white rice
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 1 onion (small, finely chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Parsley, fresh (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Searing Preparation: Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a perfect golden crust on each side of the chicken. Remove and set aside.
- Aromatic Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent, releasing their fragrant essence and building a flavor base.
- Rice Toasting: Add uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring constantly to achieve a golden, nutty characteristic without burning the grains.
- Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, combining thoroughly to create a smooth, cohesive liquid base. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cooking Fusion: Return seared chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the rice mixture. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and allow everything to cook for 20-25 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken reaches optimal doneness.
- Final Embellishment: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted, creating a rich, creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serving: Plate the creamy Parmesan chicken and rice, ensuring an even distribution of chicken and rice in each serving.
Notes
- Searing Secret: Achieving a golden-brown crust on chicken requires high heat and dry meat surface; pat chicken with paper towels before seasoning.
- Rice Toasting Technique: Stirring rice constantly during toasting prevents burning and develops a deeper, nuttier flavor profile that enhances overall dish complexity.
- Liquid Ratio Matters: Use precise measurements of chicken broth and cream to ensure perfectly cooked rice with creamy, consistent texture.
- Temperature Control: Low and slow cooking after initial searing helps chicken remain juicy while allowing rice to cook evenly without scorching.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg