Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked basmati or jasmine rice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or rosemary
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika (or Italian seasoning).
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken on both sides for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pan, add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Cook the Rice:
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Stir in the uncooked rice and fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Combine Everything:
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, placing them on top of the cooked rice.
- Pour the heavy cream over the chicken and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the top.
5. Bake to Perfection:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4