OnePan Wonder Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Onepan Wonder Creamy Parmesan Chicken And Rice
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction: Your New Weeknight Hero
Fancy a dish that's both dead easy and tastes like you've been slaving away all day? Honestly, who doesn't? This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice recipe is about to become your new best mate in the kitchen.
This recipe delivers comforting, golden-brown chicken in cheesy rice.
What's the Big Deal with This Chicken and Rice Recipe?
This dish? It's basically chicken and rice's glow-up. Originally, Chicken And Rice Dishes are a staple, but this takes it up a notch.
The inspiration is from Italy. It’s super easy and won't take hours! You get 4 generous servings.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Chicken And Rice
Okay, so let's talk benefits. Firstly, this dish is packed with protein. It's a great way to get that boost after a long day.
More importantly, the One pan chicken and rice thing means minimal washing up! Seriously, who wants to spend their evening scrubbing pots? This is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or when you just need a proper hug in a bowl.
Plus, the Creamy Parmesan Chicken element makes it extra special and adds a touch of indulgence without all the faff.
Ready to dive in? Let's have a gander at what you'll need.
Ingredients & Equipment: One-Pan Creamy Goodness
Alright, let's talk ingredients. This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is all about simple goodness. We're not talking Michelin-star levels of fancy here, just good honest chicken and rice recipe .
Main Ingredients Deets
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ( 6 oz/170g each). Make sure they look plump and pink. Pro tip: Pounding them to ½-inch thickness helps them cook evenly. This makes perfect Cheesy Chicken And Rice !
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ).
- Salt: 1 teaspoon ( 5g ).
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5g ).
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon ( 2.5g ).
- Butter: 1 tablespoon ( 15g, unsalted ). Seriously, unsalted!
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. About 2 teaspoons of minced happiness.
- Long-Grain Rice: 1 cup ( 200g ), uncooked. Basmati works great.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups ( 480ml ), low-sodium.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup ( 120 ml ).
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup ( 50g ), grated. Get the real stuff, it makes a difference in this Creamy Parmesan Chicken .
- Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup ( 10g ), chopped. Optional, but adds a nice touch.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch. For a bit of a kick.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs
For this Chicken And Rice Dishes you wanna get the seasoning right. Italian seasoning is your go-to. It's a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
Can't find it? Use equal parts of each individually! Red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth. They elevate the flavors.
You can use smoked paprika instead.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Large Oven-Safe Skillet: At least 12-inch diameter. Cast iron is ideal for that lovely sear. A heavy-bottomed skillet will do the trick.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Cutting board and a knife.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin. To gently flatten the chicken.
Honestly, that's it! This recipe is all about ease. A true weeknight chicken recipes hero! You could always get away with using a normal pan and then move it to another baking dish.
With this one-pan approach, there is less clean up. That's a win-win for easy chicken dinner recipes . Now you can put your feet up and relax after a delicious Chicken and rice bake .
So grab your skillet, get your ingredients ready, and let’s make some Parmesan Chicken And Rice !
Alright, let's talk about nailing this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice . Forget slaving away over a million pots and pans.
We're aiming for delicious and doable. You know? Something you can actually pull off after a long day. I once tried making something similar with multiple pans – total disaster! This one-pan wonder is a game-changer.
Prep Steps: Your Secret Weapon
First things first, mise en place, darling! Get everything ready. Chop those 2 cloves of garlic and measure out your 1 cup rice , 2 cups broth , ½ cup cream , and ½ cup Parmesan .
Honestly, pre-measuring saves so much time. Trust me, I've been there. Season those 4 chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning .
And please, for the love of all that is holy, don't forget to wash your hands! Safety first, kids.
One-Pan Magic: Step-by-Step
Here's how we make this Cheesy Chicken And Rice dish sing.
- Sear those seasoned 4 chicken breasts in 1 tablespoon butter in your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for 3- 4 minutes per side. We want a golden-brown crust.
- Take the chicken out. Set it aside.
- Sauté 2 teaspoons minced garlic in the same pan for about 30 seconds . Don't burn it!
- Stir in 1 cup rice and 2 cups chicken broth . Bring it to a simmer.
- Nestle the chicken back into the rice. Cover tightly. Bake in a preheated oven (temperature needs to be specified!) for 30 minutes , or until the rice is cooked. The internal chicken temperature should hit 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup Parmesan cheese .
- Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan. Boom! Done.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Game
Don't overcrowd the pan! Give those chicken breasts some space. This helps them sear properly and cook evenly. A little trick I learned from Grandma.
A big tip: Parmesan Chicken And Rice is perfect to test before serving it to the table, after baking, let the dish rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving.
You can also prepare all the ingredients in advance and assemble just before cooking. These Easy chicken dinner recipes will improve your menu.
If the rice is too dry, add a splash of broth. This Creamy Parmesan Chicken is gonna be your new go-to!
Recipe Notes for Your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and
Alright, mate, before you dive headfirst into this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice adventure, let's chew the fat about a few things.
I'm not just throwing you in at the deep end, you know? Making sure you ace this chicken and rice recipe is my mission! So, grab a cuppa and let's get into the nitty-gritty of getting this easy chicken dinner recipes dish spot on.
Serving Suggestions: Ace the Presentation, Mate!
Plating and presentation matter. Honestly, even if you're just scoffing it down in front of the telly. Pop a bit of extra grated Parmesan and parsley on top! It's like a little party in your bowl.
Think about serving this up family-style right in the skillet. It looks rustic and inviting.
For sides, a crisp green salad cuts through the richness perfectly. Or some roasted asparagus, because, you know, we're trying to be healthy(ish).
A slice of garlic bread never hurt anyone, mind. Wash it down with a chilled glass of white wine or even a sparkling elderflower cordial! Perfect for elevating Chicken And Rice Dishes
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
If you have leftovers (unlikely, but you never know!), bung them in an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Freezing is a shout, too! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and it'll be good for up to 2 months .
When reheating, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, microwave it or reheat it in a pan on the hob with a splash of chicken broth to keep it nice and moist.
Just make sure it's piping hot all the way through.
Variations: Get Creative, You Know?
Want to mix things up? Go veggie by swapping the chicken for mushrooms or halloumi. They are brilliant. For a low-carb version, swap the rice for cauliflower rice.
Adds a bit of a different texture, but still scrummy!
Seasonally, try adding butternut squash in the autumn or some peas in the spring. Keeps things interesting, doesn't it? Why not try it as an excellent Creamy chicken rice casserole .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Each serving packs roughly 450-550 calories. It is full of protein (around 40g) from the chicken and Parmesan.
Remember it's only a rough estimate! The Parmesan Chicken And Rice itself delivers energy from the rice and a good dose of calcium and healthy fats from the Parmesan and cream.
I hope this has been helpful and you enjoy this Chicken and rice bake for your Weeknight chicken recipes . Now, get cooking and enjoy your Cheesy Chicken And Rice dish! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables in this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and recipe? I'm trying to sneak some greens in for the kids!
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. Toss in some broccoli florets, peas, or spinach during the last 10 minutes of baking. They'll cook right in the creamy sauce, and your kids might not even notice (think of it as 'Operation: Veggie Stealth'). Just make sure they're cut small enough to cook through quickly.
My rice always seems to come out mushy in one-pan recipes. What am I doing wrong with this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice?
Mushy rice is a common woe! First, ensure you're using long-grain rice, as it holds its shape better. Also, avoid over-stirring, as that releases starch and contributes to the mush. Make sure your skillet is well-covered to steam the rice properly, and don't be tempted to peek too often – let the magic happen!
Is there a good substitute for Parmesan cheese in this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and dish? I'm all out!
Don't fret! Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. It has a similar salty and sharp flavor profile. You can also try Grana Padano. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly, as some cheeses are saltier than others. You could even try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative, although it won't melt quite the same.
How can I store leftovers of this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice? And how long will it last?
Leftovers are the best! Store the chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll keep well for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it (add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying), or gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat. Just like a proper Sunday roast, it's even better the next day!
I'm watching my sodium intake. Can I still enjoy this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and recipe?
Absolutely! Use low-sodium chicken broth, and go easy on the salt when seasoning the chicken. You can also use less Parmesan cheese, as it's naturally quite salty. Instead of relying on salt for flavour, boost the other seasonings like Italian herbs, garlic, and black pepper. You can also use salt substitutes, if available to you.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice?
Yes, you can! Chicken thighs will give you a richer flavour and will be more forgiving if overcooked. Just be aware that they might require slightly longer cooking time than chicken breasts, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They're like the dependable Ford Transit of the chicken world - always reliable!
