Pin It A comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces, aromatic garlic, creamy Parmesan rice, and a hint of fresh herbs—all cooked together in a single pot for easy cleanup.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite after I made it the first time. The combination of garlic and Parmesan adds a wonderful depth that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1 inch pieces 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp paprika
- Aromatics: 2 tbsp olive oil 4 cloves garlic minced 1 small onion diced
- Rice & Liquids: 1 cup (200 g) long grain white rice rinsed 2 1/4 cups (540 ml) low sodium chicken broth 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
- Cheese & Finishing: 3/4 cup (60 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese 2 tbsp unsalted butter 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt pepper and paprika.
- Brown Chicken:
- In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven heat olive oil over medium high heat Add chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides about 5 minutes Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pot add onion and sauté for 23 minutes until softened Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Rice:
- Stir in the rice making sure it is well coated with oil and aromatics.
- Add Liquids & Chicken:
- Pour in the chicken broth and milk stirring to combine Return the chicken and any juices to the pot.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low Cover and simmer for 1820 minutes stirring once or twice until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Finish:
- Remove from heat Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter until creamy Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Pin It We often enjoy this meal on busy weeknights, sharing stories as the warm, cheesy aroma fills the kitchen.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid Cutting board and knife Wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk cheese butter) Contains chicken not suitable for vegetarians Always check labels for potential allergens in chicken broth and Parmesan
Nutritional Information
Calories 490 Total Fat 19 g Carbohydrates 41 g Protein 36 g per serving
Pin It This one pot dish is perfect for a comforting dinner and offers plenty of versatility for additions and substitutions.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well and can be cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- → How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pot?
Make sure to sauté the rice briefly in oil and aromatics before adding liquids. Stir occasionally during cooking to avoid sticking.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, stirring in frozen peas or chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking adds freshness and color.
- → What type of cheese enhances the flavor best?
Freshly grated Parmesan provides a rich, nutty depth that melts smoothly into the creamy rice.
- → Is a Dutch oven necessary for cooking?
A large deep skillet with a lid works well too, as it holds heat evenly for gentle simmering of the ingredients.