Description
A delicious and creamy one-pan meal featuring tender seared chicken breasts cooked with flavorful Parmesan-infused rice in a rich, creamy sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning for a comforting and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice & Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Rice Mixture: In the same skillet, add the uncooked long-grain rice along with chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the rice is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer Chicken with Rice: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet on top of the rice mixture. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook undisturbed for 20 to 25 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook through completely and the rice to absorb the creamy sauce and become tender.
- Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the rice is tender, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, comforting one-pan meal.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan with a lid to ensure even cooking and prevent the sauce from drying out.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the heavy cream slightly or remove the lid in the last few minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
- For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic to the olive oil before searing the chicken.
- Long-grain rice is preferred for its fluffy texture, but jasmine or basmati rice can be used as substitutes.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to ensure it is safely cooked.
