Description
This creamy chicken and rice recipe features tender diced chicken breast cooked in a skillet with aromatic onions, garlic, and long-grain rice, simmered in savory chicken broth, then enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a luscious finish. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness, making this dish a comforting, well-balanced meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins & Dairy
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Grains & Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Oils & Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until hot enough for cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Add diced chicken breast to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through.
- Remove cooked chicken: Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.
- Sauté onions: In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent, absorbing the flavorful chicken bits.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance the aroma.
- Toast the rice: Add uncooked long-grain white rice to the skillet and mix with the onions and garlic. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to lightly brown it.
- Add chicken broth: Pour chicken broth into the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly.
- Bring to boil and simmer: Increase heat to medium-high and bring mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Cook peas: While the rice cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
- Add cream and cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in heavy cream followed by grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper, creating a creamy sauce.
- Combine chicken and peas: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it into the rice mixture. Gently fold in the cooked peas for added texture and sweetness.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Rest and meld flavors: Cover the skillet and let the dish sit for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired for a delicious presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor profile.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Frozen peas can be replaced with fresh peas or other vegetables like green beans or corn.
- Make sure to not stir the rice too often while simmering to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
