Description
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Skillet is a comforting one-pan dinner inspired by old-fashioned Sunday suppers. Tender chicken simmers with creamy rice and savory Parmesan for a warm, satisfying meal made with simple ingredients and dependable methods.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 3½ cups chicken broth, warm
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- ½ cup frozen peas or spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter, then cook onion until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Stir in rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Return chicken to skillet, nestling into rice.
- Cover and simmer on low for 18–22 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Sprinkle Parmesan over the skillet, cover, and rest 2–3 minutes.
- Gently stir, rest 5 minutes uncovered, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Chicken thighs add extra richness, but breasts work well.
- Add extra Parmesan before serving for more creaminess.
- If rice thickens too quickly, stir in warm broth.
- Store leftovers up to 3 days and reheat gently with broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 145mg