Name: One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb (650g) Chicken Breasts, Diced: Chicken breast is the star protein of this dish, offering a lean and versatile base to absorb all the wonderful flavors. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of preparation. When selecting your chicken, look for plump, pink breasts with minimal fat. Fresh, high-quality chicken will always yield the best results in terms of flavor and texture. Dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures it cooks quickly and evenly in the one pan, melding perfectly with the rice and creamy sauce. Consider using organic or free-range chicken for enhanced flavor and ethical sourcing, if available.; 4 Tablespoons Butter: Butter is the foundation of flavor and richness in this recipe. It’s used to sauté the onions and chicken, building a flavorful base and contributing to the overall creamy texture of the dish. Unsalted butter is recommended as it allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish. The fat in butter also helps to brown the chicken beautifully, adding depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction. Don’t skimp on the butter – it’s essential for that luxurious, creamy result! For a richer flavor, you could even use browned butter to start, although this adds an extra step.; 1 Teaspoon Paprika: Paprika is more than just a pretty color; it adds a subtle smoky sweetness and warmth to the chicken. It enhances the savory flavors and complements the parmesan beautifully. Sweet paprika is typically used in recipes like this, providing a mild, fruity note. If you prefer a bit more heat, you could use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor, or even a pinch of hot paprika for a subtle kick. Make sure your paprika is relatively fresh for the best flavor – spices lose their potency over time.; 1 Large Onion, Diced: Onion forms the aromatic base of this dish. As it sautées in butter, it releases its sweet and savory flavors, creating a foundation upon which the other ingredients build. A yellow onion is a good all-purpose choice, offering a balanced flavor that isn’t too overpowering. Dice the onion into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly. Sautéing the onion until translucent is crucial – this step softens its texture and mellows its sharpness, allowing its sweetness to come through.; 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic is another essential aromatic ingredient, adding a pungent and savory depth to the creamy chicken and rice. Fresh garlic is always preferred for its vibrant flavor. Mince the garlic finely to release its aromas quickly and ensure it cooks evenly without burning. Add the garlic towards the end of sautéing the onions and chicken to prevent it from burning, as burnt garlic can become bitter. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove for an even bolder flavor.; 2 Teaspoons Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a convenient blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Mediterranean flavor profile to the dish. It typically includes oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. This herb blend complements the chicken, parmesan, and creamy sauce beautifully, adding complexity and depth of flavor. Ensure your Italian seasoning is relatively fresh for the best aroma. If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, you can create your own blend using individual dried herbs, focusing on oregano, basil, and thyme.; Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper: Salt and pepper are the fundamental seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish. Salt brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients and balances the richness of the cream and parmesan. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a pungent bite and aroma. Season generously at each stage of cooking – seasoning the chicken, onions, and the final dish – to ensure every layer of flavor is well-developed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.; 2 1/2 Cups (750ml) Chicken Stock: Chicken stock is the liquid base that cooks the rice and creates the creamy sauce. It adds a savory depth of flavor that water simply cannot replicate. Low-sodium chicken stock is recommended to control the overall saltiness of the dish. Using a good quality chicken stock will significantly enhance the flavor of your creamy chicken and rice. You can also use homemade chicken stock for an even richer and more flavorful result. Ensure the stock is heated before adding it to the pan to maintain the cooking temperature and speed up the process.; 1 Cup White Rice (Long Grain or Basmati): White rice, either long grain or basmati, is the perfect choice for this creamy dish. Long grain rice cooks up fluffy and separate, while basmati rice offers a slightly more aromatic and nutty flavor. Both varieties absorb the flavorful chicken stock and creamy sauce beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying base for the chicken. Rinsing the rice before cooking is generally not necessary for this recipe as we want some starch to be released to contribute to the creamy sauce. However, if you prefer a less starchy result, you can rinse the rice briefly.; 1/2 Cup (125ml) Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is the key ingredient that transforms this dish from simple chicken and rice into a luxuriously creamy and decadent meal. It adds richness, smoothness, and a velvety texture to the sauce. Heavy cream has a higher fat content than milk or half-and-half, which is essential for achieving that thick, creamy consistency without curdling. Add the heavy cream at the very end of cooking to maintain its richness and prevent it from becoming too thick or separating.; 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan: Parmesan cheese is the final flavor booster, adding a salty, nutty, and umami-rich element to the creamy chicken and rice. Freshly grated parmesan cheese is always preferred over pre-grated for its superior flavor and texture. Parmigiano-Reggiano is the highest quality parmesan, but Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile. Stir in the parmesan at the very end, along with the heavy cream, to melt it into the sauce and create a cheesy, flavorful finish. Reserve some extra parmesan for garnishing before serving.; Parsley for Garnish, Optional: Fresh parsley is an optional but highly recommended garnish. It adds a pop of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a vibrant green color that brightens up the dish visually. Chop the parsley finely and sprinkle it over the creamy chicken and rice just before serving. Other fresh herbs like chives or basil can also be used as garnishes for a slightly different flavor profile.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 lb (650g) Chicken Breasts, Diced: Chicken breast is the star protein of this dish, offering a lean and versatile base to absorb all the wonderful flavors. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of preparation. When selecting your chicken, look for plump, pink breasts with minimal fat. Fresh, high-quality chicken will always yield the best results in terms of flavor and texture. Dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures it cooks quickly and evenly in the one pan, melding perfectly with the rice and creamy sauce. Consider using organic or free-range chicken for enhanced flavor and ethical sourcing, if available.

4 Tablespoons Butter: Butter is the foundation of flavor and richness in this recipe. It’s used to sauté the onions and chicken, building a flavorful base and contributing to the overall creamy texture of the dish. Unsalted butter is recommended as it allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish. The fat in butter also helps to brown the chicken beautifully, adding depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction. Don’t skimp on the butter – it’s essential for that luxurious, creamy result! For a richer flavor, you could even use browned butter to start, although this adds an extra step.

1 Teaspoon Paprika: Paprika is more than just a pretty color; it adds a subtle smoky sweetness and warmth to the chicken. It enhances the savory flavors and complements the parmesan beautifully. Sweet paprika is typically used in recipes like this, providing a mild, fruity note. If you prefer a bit more heat, you could use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor, or even a pinch of hot paprika for a subtle kick. Make sure your paprika is relatively fresh for the best flavor – spices lose their potency over time.

1 Large Onion, Diced: Onion forms the aromatic base of this dish. As it sautées in butter, it releases its sweet and savory flavors, creating a foundation upon which the other ingredients build. A yellow onion is a good all-purpose choice, offering a balanced flavor that isn’t too overpowering. Dice the onion into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly. Sautéing the onion until translucent is crucial – this step softens its texture and mellows its sharpness, allowing its sweetness to come through.

3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic is another essential aromatic ingredient, adding a pungent and savory depth to the creamy chicken and rice. Fresh garlic is always preferred for its vibrant flavor. Mince the garlic finely to release its aromas quickly and ensure it cooks evenly without burning. Add the garlic towards the end of sautéing the onions and chicken to prevent it from burning, as burnt garlic can become bitter. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove for an even bolder flavor.

2 Teaspoons Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a convenient blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Mediterranean flavor profile to the dish. It typically includes oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. This herb blend complements the chicken, parmesan, and creamy sauce beautifully, adding complexity and depth of flavor. Ensure your Italian seasoning is relatively fresh for the best aroma. If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, you can create your own blend using individual dried herbs, focusing on oregano, basil, and thyme.

Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper: Salt and pepper are the fundamental seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish. Salt brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients and balances the richness of the cream and parmesan. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a pungent bite and aroma. Season generously at each stage of cooking – seasoning the chicken, onions, and the final dish – to ensure every layer of flavor is well-developed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.

2 1/2 Cups (750ml) Chicken Stock: Chicken stock is the liquid base that cooks the rice and creates the creamy sauce. It adds a savory depth of flavor that water simply cannot replicate. Low-sodium chicken stock is recommended to control the overall saltiness of the dish. Using a good quality chicken stock will significantly enhance the flavor of your creamy chicken and rice. You can also use homemade chicken stock for an even richer and more flavorful result. Ensure the stock is heated before adding it to the pan to maintain the cooking temperature and speed up the process.

1 Cup White Rice (Long Grain or Basmati): White rice, either long grain or basmati, is the perfect choice for this creamy dish. Long grain rice cooks up fluffy and separate, while basmati rice offers a slightly more aromatic and nutty flavor. Both varieties absorb the flavorful chicken stock and creamy sauce beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying base for the chicken. Rinsing the rice before cooking is generally not necessary for this recipe as we want some starch to be released to contribute to the creamy sauce. However, if you prefer a less starchy result, you can rinse the rice briefly.

1/2 Cup (125ml) Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is the key ingredient that transforms this dish from simple chicken and rice into a luxuriously creamy and decadent meal. It adds richness, smoothness, and a velvety texture to the sauce. Heavy cream has a higher fat content than milk or half-and-half, which is essential for achieving that thick, creamy consistency without curdling. Add the heavy cream at the very end of cooking to maintain its richness and prevent it from becoming too thick or separating.

1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan: Parmesan cheese is the final flavor booster, adding a salty, nutty, and umami-rich element to the creamy chicken and rice. Freshly grated parmesan cheese is always preferred over pre-grated for its superior flavor and texture. Parmigiano-Reggiano is the highest quality parmesan, but Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile. Stir in the parmesan at the very end, along with the heavy cream, to melt it into the sauce and create a cheesy, flavorful finish. Reserve some extra parmesan for garnishing before serving.

Parsley for Garnish, Optional: Fresh parsley is an optional but highly recommended garnish. It adds a pop of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a vibrant green color that brightens up the dish visually. Chop the parsley finely and sprinkle it over the creamy chicken and rice just before serving. Other fresh herbs like chives or basil can also be used as garnishes for a slightly different flavor profile.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season the Chicken for Flavor Depth: Begin by preparing your chicken breasts. Dice them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, ensuring they will cook evenly and quickly. In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with 1 teaspoon of paprika. Ensure each piece is coated with paprika for an even distribution of flavor and color. Set aside the seasoned chicken on a plate while you prepare the other ingredients. This allows the paprika to penetrate the chicken slightly, enhancing its flavor.

Build the Aromatic Base: Place a large skillet – preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed for even heat distribution – over medium-high heat. Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt completely and shimmer slightly. Once melted, add the diced onion to the skillet. Cook the onion for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and softened. This step releases the onion’s sweetness and creates the first layer of flavor for the dish. Don’t rush this step; properly sautéed onions are key to a flavorful base.

Brown the Chicken and Infuse with Herbs: Add the seasoned diced chicken to the skillet with the softened onions. Season generously with 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Stir well to combine the chicken with the onions and seasonings. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides. Browning the chicken not only adds color but also develops deeper, savory flavors through the Maillard reaction. Ensure the chicken is cooked through on the outside but not fully cooked inside at this stage.

Add Aromatics and Simmer to Creamy Perfection: Reduce the heat slightly to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and onions. Cook for just one more minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly. Pour in 2 1/2 cups of chicken stock and add 1 cup of white rice (long grain or basmati) to the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and completely tender, and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during the simmering process to ensure the rice cooks properly in the steam. Check for doneness by gently pressing a grain of rice – it should be soft and not chalky.

Create the Creamy Parmesan Finish: Once the rice is cooked and tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Remove the lid and gently stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the cream and parmesan are fully melted and incorporated into the rice, creating a luscious, creamy sauce that coats the chicken and rice beautifully. Taste the creamy chicken and rice and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to your preference. Remember that parmesan cheese is salty, so taste before adding more salt.

Serve and Garnish: Serve the One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice immediately while it’s hot and creamy. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated parmesan cheese for garnish, if desired. The fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note and visual appeal, while extra parmesan enhances the cheesy flavor. Enjoy your delicious and easy one-pan meal!

Nutrition

Serving Size: One Normal Portion
Calories: 550-650
Fat: 25-35 grams
Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
Protein: 40-50 grams