One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Weeknights just got a whole lot easier, and infinitely more delicious, with One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice. This isn’t just another chicken and rice dish; it’s a streamlined symphony of flavor, cooked entirely in one pan for maximum taste and minimal cleanup. Imagine tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, enveloped in a velvety, parmesan-rich cream sauce that’s both comforting and utterly irresistible. Why does this recipe hold such appeal? Because it’s weeknight magic, a simple route to a meal that tastes like it required far more effort than it actually did, transforming any ordinary evening into a delightful and satisfying culinary experience. Prepare to be captivated by its simplicity and incredible flavor – your journey to effortless one-pan cooking starts now, with this remarkably easy recipe that promises maximum enjoyment with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Effortless Weeknight Cooking

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is designed for busy lives, minimizing both cooking time and cleanup. Everything cooks together in a single pan, simplifying your weeknight dinner routine without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. It’s the perfect solution for delicious meals without the hassle.

Rich and Comforting Flavors

Despite its simplicity, this dish delivers a deeply satisfying and comforting flavor profile. The creamy parmesan sauce infuses both the chicken and rice, creating a harmonious blend of savory and rich tastes that appeals to everyone. It’s classic comfort food, elevated by ease and convenience.

Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Rice in One Go

Achieving tender chicken and fluffy rice simultaneously can be a challenge, but this one-pan method simplifies the process. The chicken and rice cook together in the flavorful sauce, ensuring both components are perfectly cooked and infused with delicious parmesan creaminess. Consistent results, guaranteed.

Versatile and Adaptable for Your Taste

Beyond its delicious base, One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is remarkably adaptable. Easily customize it with your favorite permissible vegetables, herbs, or spices to create a dish that perfectly suits your preferences. It’s a flexible recipe that welcomes your personal touch.

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Ingredients:

Stock Your Kitchen for One-Pan Chicken and Rice Success

To create truly exceptional One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice, gather these readily available and permissible ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the dish’s creamy texture, savory taste, and overall comforting appeal:

For the Juicy and Savory Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: Chicken breasts, a lean and versatile protein, provide a tender and satisfying base for this dish, readily absorbing the creamy parmesan sauce and cooking beautifully alongside the rice in one pan. Chicken thighs, while richer, can be used as a permissible alternative if preferred. Cutting into pieces ensures even and quicker cooking.
• 2 tablespoons Permissible Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil, known for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, is an ideal cooking medium for searing the chicken and sautéing aromatics, providing a clean base that allows the other flavors to shine. Permissible vegetable oil or canola oil are also suitable alternatives.
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt: Kosher salt, valued for its pure taste and ability to enhance flavors, is essential for seasoning the chicken and vegetables, bringing out their natural savory notes and creating a well-balanced dish. Adjust quantity to your taste. Sea salt is a permissible substitute.
• ½ teaspoon Ground White Pepper: Ground white pepper, offering a mild warmth and subtle earthy flavor, adds a gentle spice that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering, providing a balanced pepper note. Black pepper can be used for a bolder flavor.

For the Rich and Creamy Parmesan Rice:

• 1 cup Permissible Arborio Rice: Arborio rice, prized for its creamy texture when cooked, is perfect for this one-pan dish, creating a risotto-like creaminess that beautifully complements the chicken and parmesan. Permissible long-grain rice can be used, but the texture will be less creamy.
• 4 cups Permissible Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Low sodium chicken broth, the liquid base for cooking the rice, provides a savory foundation and chicken flavor that enhances the overall dish. Using low sodium broth allows for better control over saltiness. Permissible vegetable broth is an option for a vegetarian version.
• ½ cup Permissible Heavy Cream: Heavy cream, essential for the sauce’s luxurious texture, provides richness and velvety smoothness, creating a decadent cream sauce that coats the chicken and rice. For a lighter sauce, permissible half-and-half can be used, though it will be less thick.
• ½ cup Permissible Grated Parmesan Cheese: Permissible grated Parmesan cheese, adding a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor, is key to the creamy parmesan sauce, providing a foundational savory note and enhancing the overall flavor profile. Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended. Permissible Pecorino Romano cheese offers a sharper alternative.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced finely: Fresh garlic, providing a pungent and aromatic base, infuses the creamy sauce with its signature savory notes, complementing the parmesan and chicken perfectly. Mincing finely ensures even flavor distribution.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Leaves: Dried thyme leaves, adding a subtle earthy and herbaceous note, contribute a classic flavor that pairs well with parmesan and chicken, enhancing the overall aroma and taste. Dried oregano or rosemary are permissible alternatives for different herb notes.
• Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional): Fresh parsley, adding a bright, herbaceous touch and vibrant green color, provides a refreshing garnish that balances the richness of the dish and adds visual appeal. Fresh basil or chives are permissible substitutes.

Optional Vegetables (for added nutrition and flavor):

• 1 cup Frozen Peas: Frozen peas, adding sweetness and a pop of green, offer a convenient and nutritious vegetable addition that brightens the dish and adds a touch of freshness.
• 1 cup Sliced Permissible Mushrooms: Sliced permissible mushrooms (like cremini or white button), adding an earthy and umami flavor, contribute a savory vegetable element that complements the creamy sauce and chicken, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice ?

Step-by-Step :

Creating delicious One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice at home is surprisingly easy, especially when you follow these straightforward steps, designed to maximize flavor and minimize effort for a perfect weeknight meal:

Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Flavor and Texture

Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels for better searing. Season chicken with sea salt and white pepper, ensuring even coating. Heat permissible sunflower oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Searing enhances flavor and locks in juices. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Toast Rice

Add minced garlic to the skillet with the remaining oil. Sauté garlic for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn. Add permissible Arborio rice and dried thyme to the skillet. Toast rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted. Toasting rice enhances its nutty flavor.

Step 3: Create Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Combine

Pour permissible low sodium chicken broth into the skillet, deglazing the pan by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer. Stir in permissible heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Return seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice and sauce.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is cooked through and liquid is absorbed. Chicken should be cooked through and tender. If adding frozen peas or mushrooms, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove skillet from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Resting allows rice to absorb remaining liquid and sauce to thicken slightly.

Tips for Variations:

Add a Spicy Kick:

For a spicier version, incorporate permissible chili garlic sauce into your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice. Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce to the skillet along with the heavy cream and parmesan cheese in Step 3. Adjust amount to your spice preference.

Lemon Zest Brightness:

Introduce a citrusy note to your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice for added freshness. Add the zest of 1 lemon to the skillet along with the heavy cream and parmesan cheese in Step 3. Lemon zest brightens the dish and complements the creamy parmesan.

Herbaceous Infusion:

Enhance the herb flavor profile for a more aromatic dish. Substitute dried thyme with 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary leaves in Step 2. Rosemary provides a more pronounced and earthy herb flavor that pairs well with garlic and parmesan.

Serving Suggestions:

Simple Green Salad Accompaniment

Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. The salad’s freshness provides a counterpoint to the richness of the chicken and rice, creating a balanced meal.

Crusty Bread for Sopping Up Sauce

Pair One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice with warm, crusty bread, such as baguette slices. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious creamy parmesan sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

Steamed Green Beans for Added Vegetables

Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice with a side of steamed green beans. Green beans add a simple and nutritious vegetable component, providing color and texture contrast to the creamy dish.

Roasted Asparagus for Elegant Side

Elevate your meal by serving One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice with roasted asparagus. Roasted asparagus offers a more sophisticated and flavorful vegetable side that complements the richness of the main dish.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of rice?

While Arborio rice is recommended for its creaminess, permissible long-grain rice can be substituted. Cooking time may need adjustment, and the dish will be less creamy.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, you can add other permissible vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli. Add them with the peas or mushrooms during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute permissible heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and permissible parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The texture and flavor will be altered.

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