Description
Creamy Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, creamy Parmesan-infused sauce, and perfectly cooked rice. This classic recipe combines sautéed chicken and aromatic garlic and onion with creamy heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a rich and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Produce
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Pantry
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat to create a flavorful base for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the hot skillet. Cook until browned on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant to enhance the flavor base.
- Toast the rice: Stir in uncooked rice and toast it for about 2 minutes while stirring frequently. This step adds a subtle nutty flavor to the rice.
- Add chicken broth and simmer: Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Create the creamy sauce: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy. Then return the browned chicken to the skillet.
- Simmer to finish: Allow the dish to simmer for an additional 3–5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, colorful touch.
Notes
- Use thighs if you prefer juicier chicken, breasts will yield a leaner dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes during the onion sauté step.
- To make this dish lower in fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- Ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender before adding cream to prevent a gritty texture.
- Fresh parsley garnish is optional but adds a bright contrast in flavor and presentation.
