Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice! This dish is everything you could want—rich, savory, and oh-so-easy to whip up after a long day. I mean, who doesn’t love a meal that cooks in just one pan? It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, and the best part? Cleanup is a breeze! Trust me, once you try this comforting dish, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen. It’s perfect for family dinners or even to impress a guest. Let’s dive into how to make this deliciousness happen!
Ingredients List
To make my one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice, you’ll need these simple yet essential ingredients. Make sure to gather everything before you start cooking so the process flows smoothly!
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook quickly and stay juicy!
- 1 cup rice: Any long-grain rice works wonders here, but I usually go for basmati or jasmine for that extra flavor.
- 2 cups chicken broth: This adds a depth of flavor that’s just unbeatable. You can use low-sodium broth if you want to control the saltiness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the dish super creamy and luxurious! Don’t skimp on this one.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Freshly grated is best for that melty goodness. It brings a nutty flavor that shines through!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A little sprinkle goes a long way in enhancing that savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: This complements the garlic beautifully and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to your liking! I like to add a little extra pepper for a kick.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to create a delicious one pan meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
How to Prepare One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice
Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise this process is super straightforward and so rewarding. Just follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a creamy, dreamy one pan meal that everyone will rave about!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large pan, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to get the chicken nice and golden, but not so hot that it smokes!
- Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pan and cook it until it’s beautifully browned. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally so it cooks evenly.
- Add the rice and seasonings: Once the chicken is browned, stir in the rice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. It’ll smell amazing already!
- Pour in the broth: Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. This is where the magic starts to happen!
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the rice to soak up all that delicious broth!
- Stir in the cream and cheese: After 15 minutes, it’s time for the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir them in until everything is creamy and the cheese is melted. Oh wow, your kitchen is going to smell heavenly!
- Serve it up: Finally, serve the dish warm. Grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy every creamy bite!
And there you have it! A delightful one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice ready to impress. Enjoy! You totally deserve it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in just about 35 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen!
- One Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one pan means less mess and hassle when it comes to cleanup. Who has time for a mountain of dishes?
- Flavor Packed: With creamy parmesan and perfectly seasoned chicken, every bite is bursting with flavor. It’s comforting, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!
- Customizable: Feel free to add in your favorite veggies like spinach or broccoli. You can easily make this meal your own!
- Healthy Option: This dish is a great source of protein and can fit into a balanced diet with simple ingredients that you can feel good about serving.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it a hit with kids and adults alike. Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds!
Tips for Success
Want to make your one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice absolutely perfect? I’ve got you covered with some of my best tips! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your dish to the next level.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Season the chicken well before cooking for maximum flavor. You can always adjust later, but starting with a good base is key.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and onion instead of powders. They’ll give your dish a richer flavor profile. If you have fresh herbs like parsley or basil, sprinkle them on top before serving for a burst of freshness!
- Mind the Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your chicken while it cooks. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, and nobody wants that! Aim for that golden-brown color, and you’re golden!
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to toss in veggies like peas, bell peppers, or even sun-dried tomatoes. Just add them in when you stir in the rice so they cook through but still retain some crunch.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you like it extra creamy, don’t hesitate to add a bit more heavy cream or cheese. Who doesn’t love a dish that’s dripping with cheesy goodness?
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before digging in. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes serving easier!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making the most scrumptious one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice that’s sure to wow everyone at the dinner table!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice! It’s always nice to have an idea of what you’re serving up, right? Here’s an estimated breakdown of the typical values per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Fat: About 20g
- Protein: Roughly 30g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40g
- Sodium: Approximately 800mg
- Sugar: About 2g
- Fiber: Roughly 1g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Always feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences! Enjoy this creamy delight with confidence, knowing it’s not just delicious but also wholesome!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice? No worries, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my best tips to help you out:
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust your simmering time. It usually takes about 40–45 minutes to become tender, so plan accordingly!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a combination of milk and cream. Just know that the dish may not be quite as rich and creamy, but it’ll still taste great!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! I recommend making it up to a day in advance and storing it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back that creamy texture.
Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It should keep well in the freezer for about 2–3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stove.
Can I add other proteins like shrimp or sausage?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it in when you stir in the cream. For sausage, cook it through before adding the rice.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Ah, the leftovers! If you’re lucky enough to have any, storing your one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice is super simple, and I’ll tell you how to keep it delicious for another meal!
First off, make sure the dish has cooled down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight so it stays fresh and doesn’t absorb any funky fridge odors!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze. I recommend doing this on the stovetop for the best results. Just add the leftover rice to a pan over medium heat, and stir in a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to help bring back that creamy goodness. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, and you’re all set!
If you prefer using the microwave, that works too! Just place your portion in a microwave-safe bowl, add a little broth or cream, cover it with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed to your liking.
And voila! You’ve got yourself a comforting meal ready to go, just like it was fresh out of the pan. Enjoy every last creamy bite!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this scrumptious one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside it to create the perfect meal experience! Trust me, a few simple additions can elevate your dinner to a whole new level.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with some warm, buttery garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up all that creamy goodness!
- Steamed Veggies: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a fresh and colorful touch to your plate. They’re not only healthy but also balance out the richness of the chicken rice.
- Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a delightful contrast to the creamy dish. Toss in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and maybe a sprinkle of feta for extra flavor!
- Roasted Vegetables: If you have a little extra time, roasting veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini brings out their natural sweetness and adds a beautiful side dish that complements the main course.
- Wine Pairing: For the adults at the table, a light white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, is a fantastic pairing. The crispness of the wine cuts through the creaminess and enhances the meal.
With these serving suggestions, you can create a well-rounded dinner that’s sure to impress! Enjoy your meal and the happy faces around the table as they dig into this creamy delight!
Z nadrukami
One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice: 7 Irresistible Tips
- Całkowity Czas: 35 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Niskokaloryczne
Opis
A delicious one-pan meal with creamy parmesan chicken and rice.
Składniki
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in rice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
- Stir until creamy and cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
Uwagi
- Adjust seasoning as per taste.
- Can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 40g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Słowa kluczowe: one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice
