I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you: One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice! This dish holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of cozy family dinners on chilly nights when everyone gathers around the table to enjoy good food and even better company. The creamy goodness combined with the savory chicken just feels like a warm hug in a bowl, and guess what? You only need one pan! Less cleanup means more time for laughter and storytelling, right?
Whenever I whip this up, I’m instantly transported back to those moments, and it never fails to impress. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a dish for friends, it always gets rave reviews. So let’s dive into the deliciousness, shall we?
What’s in One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice?
– Chicken Breast: This lean protein is the star of the show and makes the dish hearty and filling. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenience, but thighs work beautifully too if you’re feeling adventurous!
– Long-Grain Rice: The perfect accompaniment to soak up all that creamy goodness. I find that a nice medium or long-grain rice gives you a lovely texture.
– Chicken Broth: This adds depth and flavor to the rice. I recommend low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
– Heavy Cream: This is what gives the dish its luscious, creamy texture. If you’re feeling health-conscious, you could use half-and-half, but I promise you, don’t skip the cream if you can help it!
– Parmesan Cheese: There’s nothing quite like freshly grated parmesan to add that savory, cheesy kick. Trust me, the fresher, the better!
– Onion and Garlic: Sautéing these adds aromatic flavors that are simply irresistible. They form the base of the deliciousness!
– Olive Oil: A little drizzle to cook everything in and give it that nice golden color.
– Dried Italian Herbs: A sprinkle of these brings warmth and a hint of herbaceous notes. You can also use a blend of your favorites!
– Salt and Pepper: Always essential to enhance the flavors.
– Fresh Parsley: For garnish, because who doesn’t love a pop of color?
Is One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Good for You?
Absolutely, with a few considerations! The star ingredient, **chicken breast**, is packed with protein, making it great for muscle repair and keeping you satisfied. The **heavy cream** and **Parmesan cheese** do add some calories and fat, making this dish creamy and indulgent, so it’s perfect for an occasional treat rather than a daily dish. **Long-grain rice** provides carbs for energy, while the **onions** and **garlic** bring additional health benefits, such as antioxidants and potential immune-supporting properties.
If you’re looking to lighten things up a tad, consider using a mix of brown rice for added fiber, or bulking it up with some veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients. Balance is key!
Ingredients
– 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup long-grain rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or Italian seasoning)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
*Serves 4*
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice?
1. In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remember, we want that delicious golden color!
2. In the same pan, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen is about to smell divine!
3. Now, toss in the rice and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Toast the rice lightly for 1-2 minutes. This little step is key to enhancing flavor!
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. After the rice is fully cooked, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create that creamy, dreamy consistency.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix it into the rice. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is warmed through. Trust me, your taste buds are going to dance!
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for that restaurant-worthy finish.
Elevate Your Dish
Want to level up your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice? Here are a few fun ideas:
– Add a handful of **spinach** or **sautéed mushrooms** when cooking the onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
– Feeling fancy? A splash of **white wine** in the broth can elevate the dish to a whole new level—just let it cook down a bit before adding the broth!
– Pair it with a simple green salad or some **steamed veggies** for a refreshing contrast.
– This dish makes for fabulous meal prep as well! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and rejoice in knowing that lunch or dinner is sorted!
I really hope you give this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice a try; I promise it will become a go-to in your kitchen too! Please share your experiences and any tweaks you make – I love hearing how you all bring your own spin to these recipes! Happy cooking!
