Chicken and Creamy Rice – A One-Pot Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy chicken and rice recipe? This Chicken and Creamy Rice is the perfect one-pot meal that delivers rich, cheesy goodness with minimal effort. Made with boneless skinless chicken thighs, tender rice, and a luscious creamy parmesan chicken sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.

Unlike complicated recipes that require multiple pans and steps, this parmesan chicken and rice is a true time-saver. Everything cooks in one pot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re in need of a rice recipe easy for a quick dinner or looking for the best boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite.

In this guide, we’ll take you through step-by-step instructions, common mistakes to avoid, and tips to make this dish even more delicious!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes and less cleanup!
• Rich & Creamy: The parmesan-infused sauce makes this dish irresistibly flavorful.
• Protein-Packed & Satisfying: Made with tender chicken thighs boneless skinless and hearty rice.
• Kid-Friendly & Family Approved: A comforting meal the whole family will love.
• Customizable: Easily switch up the ingredients based on what you have at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious parmesan chicken rice, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken & Rice:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra parmesan cheese

Kitchen Equipment Required

To make this creamy parmesan chicken and rice dish, you’ll need:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board

How to Make Chicken and Creamy Rice

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the boneless skinless chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Toast the Rice

In the same pan, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and dried thyme. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese and Chicken

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the parmesan cheese and mozzarella (if using). Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, stirring to combine everything into a creamy, cheesy dish. If needed, add a splash of extra broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious chicken and creamy rice!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Toasting Step: Toasting the rice before adding liquid enhances its flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to get a nice golden-brown sear.
• Not Stirring Occasionally: This helps prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Overcooking the Rice: Keep an eye on the rice and add a little more liquid if needed to keep it from drying out.

Recipe Variations & Customizations

• Swap the Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
• Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Veggie-Packed: Stir in spinach, peas, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative.

How to Serve & Presentation Tips

For a beautiful presentation, spoon the parmesan chicken and rice onto a serving plate and top with extra parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

What to Serve with Chicken and Creamy Rice

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
• Side Salad: A simple Caesar or garden salad balances the richness of the dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time (about 40 minutes).

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it in advance and reheat when ready to serve. Just add a bit of broth or cream while reheating to keep it from drying out.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

What’s the best way to make this extra creamy?

Add a little extra heavy cream or stir in some cream cheese for an even richer texture.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Creamy Rice is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. With tender boneless skinless chicken thighs and a velvety parmesan sauce, this one-pot dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Give this parmesan chicken and rice recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! If you loved it, share this recipe and subscribe for more rice recipes easy and boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes. Happy cooking!

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