Description
This Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breast cubes simmered with aromatic spices, long-grain rice, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into small bite-size cubes
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup long-grain rice, such as Jasmine
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Coat the chicken cubes evenly with sweet paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add rice and broth: Stir in the Italian seasoning, uncooked long-grain rice, and low-sodium chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow it to simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the rice absorbs the cream and the mixture becomes creamy and thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the creamy chicken and rice hot as a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt level in the dish.
- Jasmine rice is recommended for its aroma and texture, but you can substitute with long-grain white rice if needed.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook a few extra minutes uncovered after adding cream and cheese.
- Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor and melting quality compared to pre-grated varieties.
- For a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the dish will be less rich.
- Garnish with parsley just before serving to maintain its vibrant color.
