Description
A cozy, creamy, and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, rich Parmesan, and perfectly cooked rice, making it the ultimate comfort food without the fuss.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (Trim large pieces of fat if using thighs.)
- 1 tsp Salt (To taste.)
- 1 tsp Black pepper (To taste.)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil or butter (For browning chicken and cooking garlic.)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced (Fresh is best, jarred works if necessary.)
- 1 cup Uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 cups Chicken broth (Low sodium is preferred.)
- 1/2 cup Milk or half and half (For creaminess.)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (Grating fresh cheese yields better melting.)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (Or a mix of dried parsley and oregano.)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup Spinach (Can be added for extra greens.)
- 1 cup Peas or chopped broccoli (For added color and nutrition.)
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until golden brown on the outside, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add a touch more butter if needed, then add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, careful not to burn it.
Cooking
- Stir the uncooked rice into the garlic and oil, toasting it lightly for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Nestle the chicken back into the pot on top of the rice. Cover and cook on low for 18-22 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in milk or half and half, and then gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Finishing
- If using, stir in any vegetables and let the heat wilt them slightly.
- Turn off the heat and allow the dish to sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
If the dish becomes too thick upon reheating, stir in a splash of broth or milk to loosen it. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American