Description
Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a comforting one-pan dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts nestled in a creamy, cheesy rice mixture with peas and aromatic herbs. This easy oven-baked recipe combines a savory blend of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and basil for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice & Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and rice.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for balanced flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter and add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Toast Rice: Add the rice to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to lightly toast the rice and enhance its flavor.
- Add Liquids and Cheese: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Rice: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the creamy rice mixture. Evenly sprinkle frozen peas and dried basil over the top.
- Bake: Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender and creamy.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Ensure the skillet is ovenproof to safely bake the dish in the oven.
- Frozen peas can be substituted with fresh peas or other vegetables like asparagus tips or diced carrots.
- Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the chicken breasts; always check for doneness.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or simmer the sauce longer before baking.
