Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

This creamy Parmesan chicken and rice has been my weeknight dinner savior for years. The tender chicken nestled into cheesy, garlicky rice creates a comforting one-pan meal that never fails to please even the pickiest eaters in my household.

I first created this recipe when I needed something quick yet impressive for unexpected dinner guests. They raved so much about it that it's now in my regular rotation, especially during those hectic weekdays when I need something reliable and delicious.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: ensure juicy meat that stays tender even with longer cooking times
• Long grain white rice: provides the perfect texture that absorbs all the savory flavors
• Heavy cream: creates that luxurious mouthfeel without making the dish too rich
• Parmesan cheese: adds umami depth and thickens the sauce naturally
• Italian seasoning blend: saves time while adding complex herb flavors
• Garlic: both minced and powdered provides layered flavor throughout the dish
• Butter: creates a rich foundation for developing flavor in the rice
• Chicken broth: infuses every grain of rice with savory notes
• Frozen peas or spinach: optional but add bright color and nutritional value

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season and Sear the Chicken:

Pat those chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season liberally with the salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika on both sides, pressing the seasonings into the meat. Heat your olive oil until it shimmers then add chicken without overcrowding the pan. Let it develop a deep golden crust for the full 4 minutes before flipping. This initial sear locks in juices and develops flavor compounds that will infuse the entire dish.

Sauté the Aromatics and Cook the Rice:

After removing chicken, add butter to the same pan to capture all those browned bits. When butter melts add garlic and cook just until fragrant being careful not to burn it. Stir in your uncooked rice ensuring every grain gets coated with the garlicky butter. Allow the rice to toast for the full 2 minutes which develops nutty flavor notes. Pour in chicken broth scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavor stuck to the surface. Add your Italian seasoning and onion powder distributing evenly.

Simmer Until Rice is Tender:

Return your seared chicken pieces to the pan placing them gently on top of the rice mixture. Cover tightly with a lid and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. The chicken will continue cooking while infusing the rice with its juices. After 20 minutes check that rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. The chicken should register 165°F on an instant read thermometer.

Make It Creamy and Cheesy:

Remove the lid and pour the heavy cream around the chicken stirring gently to incorporate. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly across the surface and fold it in watching as it melts into the sauce. If using frozen peas or spinach add them now allowing the residual heat to warm them through. The sauce will continue to thicken as it simmers uncovered.

Garnish and Serve:

Turn off heat and allow the dish to rest for 2 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the sauce thicken to the perfect consistency. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for brightness and a pop of color. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation or transfer to a serving platter for a more formal approach.

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is watching the Parmesan cheese melt into the cream creating silky ribbons throughout the rice. This dish reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house where she'd serve something similar but with a longer cooking time. I've streamlined her recipe without sacrificing any of the comfort food appeal.

Storing Leftovers

This creamy chicken and rice actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together in the refrigerator. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating add a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the creamy texture as the rice will have absorbed much of the sauce. Gently warm over medium-low heat stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Easy Substitutions

Don't worry if you don't have every ingredient on hand. Half and half works beautifully in place of heavy cream for a lighter version. Italian seasoning can be replaced with a mix of dried oregano, basil and thyme. For a whole grain option substitute brown rice but increase cooking time by 15 minutes and add an extra 1/4 cup of broth. Frozen mixed vegetables make a great colorful alternative to just peas or spinach.

Serving Suggestions

This comforting dish stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal experience serve with crusty artisan bread for sopping up the creamy sauce. If entertaining consider starting with a light appetizer like bruschetta or a small cup of clear broth soup to balance the richness of the main dish.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work perfectly in this dish. Since breasts are leaner than thighs, you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent them from becoming dry. Check for doneness when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half makes a great lighter alternative as mentioned in the notes. You could also use whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of butter for richness, or for a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well with the flavor profile.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! While peas and spinach are suggested, other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully. Add hardier vegetables like carrots or broccoli earlier in the cooking process to ensure they're tender.

→ What's the best rice to use for this dish?

Long-grain white rice is recommended for its fluffy texture and ability to absorb flavors. Basmati or jasmine rice are excellent alternatives. Brown rice can be substituted but will require additional liquid and cooking time (about 45 minutes total).

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess, as the rice will continue absorbing liquid as it sits.

→ Is there a way to make this dish lower in calories?

To reduce calories, use chicken breasts instead of thighs, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, reduce the Parmesan to 1/4 cup, and increase the vegetable content. These modifications will maintain the creamy texture and flavor while lightening the dish.