There’s something so comforting about one pan meals, isn’t there? They’re like a warm hug on a busy day, and this one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice is delicious is no exception! Picture this: tender chicken nestled in creamy, cheesy rice that practically sings with flavor. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table, and trust me, it’s hard not to go back for seconds. This recipe has become a staple in my household, especially during those hectic weeknights when I want something simple yet satisfying. You’ll love how everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the joy it brings to family dinners!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Prepare One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice
This one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice is a breeze to prepare, and each step builds upon the last to create something truly delicious. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Season the Chicken
First things first, season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Don’t skimp on this step! The seasoning is essential for locking in flavor as it cooks. I like to do this right before I’m ready to cook, so the chicken is fresh and ready to go!
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown on both sides. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for a moment while we build the flavor!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. You want it to be fragrant but not burnt—burnt garlic can ruin your dish! This step is crucial; it adds depth and richness that will permeate the entire dish.
Step 4: Combine Rice and Liquids
Now, add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring it around to coat it in that delicious garlic oil. Then, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, giving it a gentle stir. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and you’ll see the magic starting to happen!
Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Once it’s simmering, stir in the grated parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Oh wow, this is where the creamy goodness really comes to life! Make sure everything is well combined and the cheese is melted and creamy.
Step 6: Cook and Serve
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, cover it, and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all that rich flavor. When it’s done, the rice should be tender and the chicken cooked through. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley before serving—it’s the perfect finishing touch!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredient brands, but they give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 35g
This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also packs in a good amount of protein and flavor, making it a fantastic choice for a hearty meal!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to dive into making this one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice, here are some pro tips to ensure it turns out absolutely perfect!
- Marinate the Chicken: If you have the time, marinating the chicken for a few hours or even overnight in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs can elevate the flavor to a whole new level. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Adjust the Seasoning: Everyone’s taste buds are a little different, so don’t hesitate to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
- Check the Sauce Consistency: After stirring in the cheese, if your sauce seems too thick, feel free to add a splash more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired creaminess. It should be rich and luscious, but not gloppy!
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the rice to simmer gently. This step is crucial for ensuring that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all those delicious flavors. Keep the lid on and let it do its magic!
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even some grated parmesan on top just before serving adds a lovely touch of color and freshness. Plus, it makes everything look so inviting!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make this dish shine. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Variations for One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try with this one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice! Here are some ideas that I absolutely love:
- Shrimp Version: Swap out the chicken for shrimp! Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking. The shrimp will soak up all that creamy goodness!
- Vegetable Medley: Add some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even diced bell peppers to the mix. They’ll add color, texture, and extra nutrition to your dish!
- Herbed Chicken: Experiment with different herbs! Fresh thyme or rosemary can give your chicken a delightful twist. Just toss them in while cooking the chicken for that aromatic flavor.
- One-Pot Alfredo: For a fun twist, you can skip the chicken broth and use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead. It’ll be rich and super creamy—perfect for those pasta lovers!
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the garlic while sautéing for a spicy version that brings the heat!
These variations make it easy to keep the excitement alive in the kitchen while still enjoying that delicious core flavor of creamy parmesan goodness. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice are just as delightful, so you’ll want to save every last bite! To store, let the dish cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep all that creamy goodness intact and prevents it from drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick meal!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Just add a splash of chicken broth or a little bit of cream to the pan to help restore that creamy texture. Heat it over medium-low until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave; just make sure to cover it to keep moisture in and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even warming.
Whichever method you choose, don’t be surprised if it tastes just as good as the first time around! Enjoy your delicious meal all over again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pan meal, meaning minimal dishes and easy cleanup!
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Rich and creamy flavors that the whole family will adore.
- Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal fast.
- Versatile with endless variations to suit your taste preferences.
- Nutritious, packed with protein, and can be made gluten-free!
- Great for leftovers, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Every bite feels like a cozy hug—delicious comfort food at its best!
FAQ Section
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! If you want to use brown rice, just keep in mind that it has a longer cooking time. You’ll need to increase the simmering time to about 40-45 minutes instead of the usual 20, and you might want to add an extra half cup of chicken broth to ensure it cooks through and stays creamy. Just check for doneness before serving!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can definitely make this one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice ahead of time! Just prepare the dish as instructed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it nice and creamy. It’ll taste just as fantastic as when you first made it!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for alternatives to heavy cream, you have a few options! Half-and-half works well and gives a lighter texture, or you can use whole milk with a tablespoon of melted butter for a similar richness. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream is a fantastic substitute—it adds a lovely flavor and creaminess, making this dish just as delicious!
Z nadrukami
One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice is Deliciously Easy
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
This one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice is a delicious and easy meal that combines tender chicken with creamy rice.
Składniki
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instrukcje
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add rice and stir to coat.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Return chicken to the skillet and cover.
- Cook for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Uwagi
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- For added flavor, marinate chicken before cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 600
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 500mg
- Kwasy: 30g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 15g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 50g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Słowa kluczowe: one pan creamy parmesan chicken rice, easy chicken recipes, creamy rice dishes
