Description
Creamy Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pan dish featuring tender pieces of seasoned chicken simmered with fragrant jasmine rice, creamy sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines savory flavors with a rich, buttery texture garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup long grain rice (such as Jasmine)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
For the Creaminess and Garnish
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Toss the chicken cubes with sweet paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Melt Butter and Cook Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and no longer pink inside.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in Italian seasoning. Add the rice and pour in the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let simmer for 15 minutes without stirring, until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the rice absorbs most of the cream.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and high-quality heavy cream.
- This dish can be customized with vegetables like peas or spinach stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Ensure not to over-stir during simmering to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
