Description
A quick, one-pot weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs, fluffy rice, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce. Ready in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper. Mince garlic and dice onion.
- Sear chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in a single layer (in batches if needed) for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken to a plate, leaving fond in the pan.
- Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not brown.
- Toast rice: Stir in uncooked rice and toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer: Return chicken and any juices to the pan, nestling into the rice. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Make creamy: Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk or broth if needed.
- Finish: Taste and adjust salt. Stir in frozen peas if using. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not stir the rice while it simmers to prevent gumminess. Use fresh Parmesan cheese, as pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. If the sauce is too watery, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes. If too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. This recipe does not freeze well due to the dairy content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
Keywords: chicken and rice, one pot meal, creamy garlic parmesan, weeknight dinner, 30 minute meals, easy chicken recipe, comfort food