Description
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a comforting and easy-to-make dinner featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with perfectly cooked rice. This hearty skillet meal combines Italian seasoning with fresh spinach and garlic for a flavorful, filling dish ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor before cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat. Place the chicken in and cook on each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Then remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Toast the rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly toast it, enhancing its nutty flavor.
- Add liquids and combine: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly in the pan.
- Simmer chicken and rice: Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan with the liquid and rice mixture. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Finish with cheese and spinach: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with baby spinach if using. Let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the spinach to wilt.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- For a quicker version, use shredded rotisserie chicken and stir it in at the end without simmering.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness and calories.
- Add vegetables such as sliced mushrooms or peas for extra nutrition and color.
