Can I use brown rice instead of Arborio rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you'll need to increase the cooking time by approximately 15-20 minutes and may need to add an additional 1/2 cup of broth. The final texture will be less creamy than with Arborio rice but still delicious.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Replace the butter with olive oil, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and substitute nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternatives for the cheese. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the creamy texture can be maintained.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic, or incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños for a pleasant heat that complements the creamy elements.

What's the best pan to use for this recipe?

A 12-inch deep skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid works best. Cast iron, stainless steel, or enameled cast iron all produce excellent results. Non-stick pans work too but won't develop quite the same depth of flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and asparagus all work wonderfully. Add heartier vegetables like mushrooms and peppers with the onions; add leafy greens like spinach in the final 2-3 minutes of cooking.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice

Description

This comforting one-pan dish features juicy chicken breasts, creamy Parmesan-infused rice, and aromatic garlic and onions. It’s a hearty meal that’s both easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and brown on both sides until golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
Add rice to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
Return chicken to the skillet, cover tightly, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, consider substituting chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. You can also add vegetables like spinach or peas during the cooking process. Ensure the skillet is covered tightly to cook the rice evenly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 620
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: chicken, rice, Parmesan, one-pan, creamy