Description
Parmesan chicken & rice emerges as a comforting classic that brings Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables. Simple ingredients combine for a hearty meal that satisfies hunger and delights palates with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden-brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Aromatic Base: In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, releasing deep flavor profiles.
- Rice Integration: Coat uncooked rice in the onion-garlic mixture. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a creamy liquid foundation. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir to develop a smooth, rich sauce.
- Layering and Cooking: Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the rice mixture. Cover and simmer on low heat, allowing rice to absorb liquids and develop a tender consistency.
- Finishing Touches: Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the dish during the final cooking moments. Wilt spinach slightly and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot, ensuring a harmonious blend of creamy rice, tender chicken, and vibrant greens.
Notes
- Chicken Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy texture.
- Rice Liquid Ratio Precision: Maintain proper broth-to-rice proportion to achieve perfectly fluffy, non-sticky rice; adjust liquid slightly based on rice variety.
- Searing Technique Mastery: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to develop a crispy, golden-brown chicken exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
- Dietary Adaptation Flexibility: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, use cauliflower rice for low-carb option, or swap chicken with tofu for vegetarian alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg