Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken Rice is a simple, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich parmesan cream sauce, it brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked rice
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the uncooked rice and chicken broth or water to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 3: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the parmesan cheese and heavy cream until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 4: Let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or sautéed onions when cooking the chicken.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Mix in steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for added nutrition.
- Swap parmesan for asiago or grana padano to vary the cheese flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to increase the cooking time and liquid amount accordingly.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check parmesan cheese is gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
PrintCreamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
This creamy Parmesan one-pot chicken rice recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce made with Parmesan and cream. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for a weeknight meal, requiring minimal cleanup and providing a satisfying blend of flavors and textures in just one pot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Dairy
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Liquids
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, for cooking chicken)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add rice and liquid: Add the uncooked rice to the pot with the chicken and stir to combine. Pour in 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth or water and season again with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer until cooked: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice and chicken simmer gently for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Stir in the cream and Parmesan: Once cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot: Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly, then serve warm as a hearty, comforting main course.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier texture.
- Use low-fat cream or milk as a lighter alternative, though the dish will be less rich.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or chopped onions when cooking the chicken.
- Freshly grated Parmesan yields the best creamy texture and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the dish rest uncovered for a few minutes after stirring in the cream and cheese.
Keywords: chicken rice, one pot meal, creamy chicken, Parmesan chicken recipe, easy dinner, comfort food
