Creamy Parmesan Chicken And Rice
Highlighted under: Timeless Comfort Foods
I absolutely adore this Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice dish! It's become a go-to for my family, particularly on busy weeknights. The creamy texture, enhanced by rich Parmesan cheese, truly makes it special. I love how the tender chicken and fluffy rice soak up all the flavors, creating a meal that's both comforting and satisfying. It's quick to prepare, taking just under an hour, and uses simple ingredients. This recipe not only pleases our taste buds but also brings us together around the dinner table.
When I first tried this Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice recipe, it was an instant hit at home. The creamy sauce mixed with the savory chicken is something I can't get enough of. I remember the first time I made it; I added a splash of lemon juice at the end, which brought a delightful brightness to the dish.
What's great about this recipe is the way you can adapt it based on what you have in your pantry. I sometimes throw in some vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition, and it still turns out wonderfully. The comfort this meal provides is unmatched, and it's become a staple in my cooking repertoire!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy sauce infused with Parmesan goodness
- Comforting and hearty, perfect for a family meal
- Versatile and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients
Perfecting the Chicken
The chicken is the star of this dish, so it's essential to cook it properly for maximum flavor. I recommend using a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you find the chicken is browning too quickly without cooking through, lower the heat slightly and cover the skillet for more even cooking. This allows the chicken to cook through while developing a lovely golden crust on the outside.
After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider butterflying them before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and quickly. This way, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Choosing the Right Rice
For this recipe, long-grain rice works wonders as it cooks up fluffy and separates nicely. However, you could also use jasmine or basmati rice for a slightly fragrant twist. If you prefer brown rice for its nutritional benefits, just remember to increase the liquid by half and extend the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes, as brown rice takes longer to absorb water.
If you find yourself without rice, quinoa can be a nutritious alternative, though it will require a different cooking time. Always adjust the liquid to quinoa's specific absorption ratio, which is generally 2:1, and cook for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary. Microwaving is also an option, but be sure to cover it to prevent drying out.
For an even heartier meal, consider serving this dish with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans on the side. A fresh salad tossed with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the dish, making dinner a well-rounded affair.
Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients to make this delicious dish!
For the Chicken and Rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure everything is measured and ready to go!
Instructions
Follow these steps for a delicious meal!
Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Rice
In the same skillet, add the rice and stir to coat it in the remaining oils. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
Make the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the rice until well combined. Return the chicken to the skillet and heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!
Pro Tips
- For an added touch of flavor, consider sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or basil over the dish before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you're looking for lighter options, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich. For those who need a dairy-free version, coconut cream is a great alternative that will still lend a creamy texture and richness. Just be cautious with the flavor balance, as coconut can impart a sweet note, so adjusting seasonings may be necessary.
In place of Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast can be a good substitute for a vegan-friendly approach, providing a cheesy flavor without dairy. Additionally, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can work if you're looking to change the flavor profile while maintaining the desired creaminess.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Should you find the sauce too thick during cooking, don’t hesitate to add a little extra broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. It can dry out quickly, especially if left uncovered or overcooked, so keeping an eye on the heat and stirring occasionally helps avoid this. If the chicken ends up dry, consider slicing it and mixing it with the sauce before serving to add moisture.
If the rice becomes mushy, it may be due to overcooking or an excess of liquid. Always measure your ingredients carefully and stick to the recommended cooking times. On the other hand, if the rice is undercooked, simply add a bit more broth and continue cooking until it reaches the perfect texture without burning.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and possibly add more liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute almond milk and nutritional yeast for the cream and Parmesan cheese.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
→ What other proteins can I use?
Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Creamy Parmesan Chicken And Rice
I absolutely adore this Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice dish! It's become a go-to for my family, particularly on busy weeknights. The creamy texture, enhanced by rich Parmesan cheese, truly makes it special. I love how the tender chicken and fluffy rice soak up all the flavors, creating a meal that's both comforting and satisfying. It's quick to prepare, taking just under an hour, and uses simple ingredients. This recipe not only pleases our taste buds but also brings us together around the dinner table.
Created by: Maya Richardson
Recipe Type: Timeless Comfort Foods
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken and Rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the rice and stir to coat it in the remaining oils. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the rice until well combined. Return the chicken to the skillet and heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Extra Tips
- For an added touch of flavor, consider sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or basil over the dish before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 32g