Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Name: Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Isabella

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Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love? Try this Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice recipe! It’s a comforting dish packed with tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and fluffy rice, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup frozen peas

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.

Cook Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in rice to coat with the oil and onions. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a boil.

Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Finish the Dish: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, frozen peas, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Return cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until chicken is heated through and rice is tender.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy and flavorful one-pot meal!

Serving Tips:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and added freshness.

Pair with Vegetables: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a well-rounded meal.

Crusty Bread or Rolls: Enjoy with some crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.

Lemon Wedges: Provide lemon wedges on the side for a touch of brightness. Squeezing lemon juice over the dish can enhance the flavors.

Serve Hot: This dish is best served hot straight from the pot to preserve its creamy texture and flavors.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: This dish can be frozen for longer storage. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

Avoid Overcooking: Take care not to overcook the rice during reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy. Keep an eye on it and stir gently.

Related Recipes:

ONE POT MEXICAN RICE CASSEROLE

FAQs:

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can! While the recipe calls for long-grain white rice, you can substitute it with other varieties like jasmine rice or basmati rice. Adjust the cooking time and amount of liquid accordingly, as different rice types may absorb liquid at different rates.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice ahead of time. However, keep in mind that rice dishes tend to absorb liquid as they sit, so you may need to add a bit of extra chicken broth or cream when reheating to maintain the creamy consistency. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?

Yes, if you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Just be aware that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy compared to using heavy cream.

What are some variations or additions I can try?

Vegetables: Add diced carrots, bell peppers, or spinach along with the peas for extra color and nutrition.

Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, basil, or oregano to enhance the flavor profile.

Protein: Instead of chicken breasts, you can use boneless chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Cheese: If you love cheese, try mixing in some shredded mozzarella or fontina along with the Parmesan for a different cheesy twist.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines the richness of Parmesan and cream with the wholesome goodness of chicken and rice, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, the one-pot method means less cleanup, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal!