Description
This creamy chicken and rice recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked with aromatic spices, sautéed onions and garlic, and simmered with rice in a flavorful chicken broth. Finished with rich heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, it creates a comforting, delicious one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Base and Rice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as Jasmine), rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with sweet paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, around 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to brown slightly on the edges, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in Italian seasoning, rinsed rice, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer gently for 15 minutes without stirring, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid.
- Add Cream and Cheese: After 15 minutes, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice absorbs most of the cream and the sauce becomes creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately for a comforting and creamy chicken and rice dish.
Notes
- To ensure the rice cooks evenly, avoid lifting the lid or stirring during the simmering step.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and meltability.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the texture will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to rinse the rice to remove excess starch to prevent the dish from becoming gummy.
