Description
Chicken and Parmesan Rice makes weeknight cooking a breeze with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Tender chicken nestled in cheesy rice creates a comforting meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 0.5 cup frozen peas or spinach
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels, ensuring no moisture remains. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika evenly across all surfaces.
- Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and easily coats the pan’s bottom.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs into hot skillet, allowing each piece to sear precisely 4-5 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops.
- Transfer chicken to a clean plate, leaving delicious browned bits in the skillet for additional flavor development.
- Pour 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice directly into the same skillet, stirring to coat grains with remaining oil and pan drippings.
- Add 2 cups chicken broth, ½ cup heavy cream, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to the rice. Stir gently to combine ingredients.
- Nestle seared chicken thighs back into the rice mixture, allowing them to rest partially submerged.
- Reduce heat to low, cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Uncover and sprinkle ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese across the top. Let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Optional: Stir in ½ cup frozen peas or chopped spinach during final 3 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving hot directly from the skillet.
Notes
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in delicious flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and the best possible sear on the chicken thighs.
- Fresh grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly and delivers a richer taste compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
- For a lower-carb version, substitute cauliflower rice or add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutrition without changing the core recipe.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 495 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg