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One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

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Description:
One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken, creamy rice, and a rich Parmesan cheese sauce. Everything cooks together in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze. This meal is perfect for a busy weeknight but delicious enough for a special dinner. The combination of savory chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful rice will make this dish a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup baby spinach, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  • Cook the rice: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring to a simmer.
  • Add Parmesan and chicken: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Add spinach and serve: If using, stir in the chopped spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
  • For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce.
  • Use chicken thighs for a juicier result, or chicken breasts for a leaner dish.