One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.

Every time I think about One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice, I recall a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet comforting. I wanted a dish that would satisfy my cravings and keep my family happy. Searching through my pantry, I gathered a few staples that would transform into a creamy masterpiece. Diced chicken breasts, butter, and a touch of heavy cream were my heroes that night.

Cooking should be enjoyable, not a chore. This dish embraces the beauty of simplicity. With just one pan, you can create a delicious meal bursting with flavor. Every spoonful of this creamy chicken and rice delights the senses, making it a perfect midweek dinner. It combines rich textures with a hint of Italian seasoning that tantalizes with every bite.

This recipe becomes a go-to for last-minute gatherings or cozy nights at home. The harmony of chicken, rice, and creamy goodness invites everyone to the table for a warm embrace of comfort food. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible dish so you can bring the flavors of creamy Parmesan chicken to your dinner family soon.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Fundamentals

Creating a delightful dish like One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice requires understanding the role of each ingredient. Diced chicken breasts offer a lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully. Butter adds richness and a luscious texture, while garlic and onion create a fragrant base.

Paprika and Italian seasoning elevate the profile of this dish. Each bite carries layers of flavor that enhance rather than overshadow the main ingredients. Chicken stock serves as the foundation, ensuring your rice cooks to tender perfection without becoming mushy. Finally, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese bind everything together, providing the creamy consistency we crave in comfort food.

Preparation/setup

Before diving into cooking, gather all your ingredients. Having everything close at hand streamlines the process and makes it enjoyable. Dice the onion and garlic, and season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. This prep step is vital for controlling the cooking time and elevating the flavor profile.

Choosing the right rice also plays an essential part. Long-grain or basmati rice can provide that perfect texture. Rinse the rice carefully to make sure any excess starch is removed, ensuring it remains fluffy and delicious throughout the cooking process. Set up your cooking space with a large skillet ready to work its magic on these ingredients.

Ingredients

To bring this exciting dish to life, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb chicken breasts, diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
• 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup white rice (long grain or basmati)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Parsley for garnish (optional)

This collection of ingredients perfectly balances flavor, texture, and aroma, ensuring a delicious meal that everyone will remember.

Directions

1. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant.
4. Add the remaining butter and the seasoned chicken, lightly browning it on all sides.
5. Stir in rinsed rice and toast for about a minute.
6. Pour in chicken stock, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 15-18 minutes.
7. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmer for 1-2 minutes until glossy.
8. Adjust seasoning, cover, and let rest for 2 minutes.
9. Garnish with parsley before serving hot.

Enhancing One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Technique

Mastering the cooking technique ensures your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice turns out perfectly every time. Start by properly seasoning the chicken to enhance flavor throughout. Searing the chicken creates a beautiful golden crust that seals in moisture.

Toast the rice briefly in the skillet after browning the chicken. This process brings out nuttiness, adding a layer of flavor that elevates the dish. When you add chicken stock, ensure it bubbles as you cover it. Maintaining that heat helps the rice cook evenly.

Letting the dish rest for a couple of minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t skip this step! The resting time enhances the creamy consistency of the dish and lets everything settle.

Tips/tricks

Here are a few tips to perfect your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice:

• Use fresh chicken for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Stir the rice gently when adding cream and cheese to avoid breaking the grains.
• If you prefer more depth, add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during cooking.
• For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock if you have it on hand.

Experiment with spices or seasonings to make it your own. The key to this recipe lies in adjusting it to suit your taste buds, making it versatile and ever-appealing.

Perfecting One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Perfecting results

Perfecting this dish requires a bit of patience and attention to detail. Focus on the chicken—don’t rush the browning process, allowing it to develop flavor. Also, keep an eye on the cooking time for your rice. Overcooked rice can lead to a mushy texture that overshadows the rest of the dish.

Additionally, when adding the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, a gentle stir is important. You want the cheese to melt into the sauce, creating a creamy pesto that clings to the chicken and rice without being overwhelming.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you encounter trouble with your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice, consider adjusting the cooking time and temperature. If the rice isn’t fully cooked after simmering, add a little more chicken stock and cover again.

For a richer flavor, you might add crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Variations can include different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, based on your preference. Each twist can create a unique take on the original recipe while still delivering that creamy comfort.

Serving One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Serving/presentation

Serving One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is simple yet elegant. Allow the dish to rest a bit before plating. Use a large spoon to serve generous portions, ensuring each plate has visible chicken and rice coated in creamy goodness.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. This small detail makes a big difference in presentation, adding freshness and vibrancy to the plate.

Pairings/storage

While this dish stands out on its own, consider serving it with a side salad or steamed vegetables to complement the flavors. Freshly sautéed green beans or roasted broccoli could add a delightful crunch.

For storage, let the leftovers cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. You can store your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken stock to maintain the creaminess.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice represents comfort food at its finest. With its simple preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors, this dish provides a satisfying meal any night of the week.

Celebrate cooking by immersing yourself in this delicious recipe. As you gather around the dining table with loved ones, let the wonderful aroma and creamy textures make the evening memorable. Enjoying this dish means enjoying the moment together — a true culinary delight!

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