Description
Creamy Chicken and Rice is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender diced chicken cooked with aromatic onions and garlic, combined with creamy Parmesan-infused rice. This one-pan meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner and takes about 40 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
Base
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Fats and Oils
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Dairy
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat fats: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, ensuring the fats melt and combine evenly for cooking.
- Cook chicken: Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, then cook in the skillet until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, cook the diced onion until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Toast rice: Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and help release the nutty flavor.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to create a creamy texture. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Final simmer: Simmer everything together for another 3–5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the dish to heat through thoroughly.
- Season and garnish: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk but expect a slightly less creamy texture.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful result.
- Ensure the rice is long-grain white rice for best texture; other types may alter cooking times.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley adds visual appeal and a fresh herbaceous note.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
