Save A comforting, flavorful dish where tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and creamy Parmesan meld perfectly with fluffy rice—all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup.
This recipe has become a family favorite because it combines simplicity with incredible flavor that everyone enjoys.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 600 g), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 cloves garlic minced, 1 small onion finely chopped
- Rice & Liquid: 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice rinsed, 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream, 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Finishing Touches: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional), Additional grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Season Chicken:
- Season the chicken thighs with salt pepper and Italian herbs.
- Sear Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat Add chicken thighs and sear 3 4 minutes per side until golden Remove chicken and set aside.
- Cook Aromatics:
- In the same pot add onion and cook 2 3 minutes until softened Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Rice:
- Add rice and toast for 1 minute stirring to coat with oil and aromatics.
- Add Liquids:
- Pour in the chicken broth and milk or cream scraping up any browned bits from the bottom Bring to a simmer.
- Cook Rice & Chicken:
- Return chicken to the pot nestling it into the rice Reduce heat to low cover and cook for 20 25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Finish:
- Remove from heat Sprinkle Parmesan over the rice and gently stir to combine Let stand covered 5 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan before serving.
Save Cooking this dish always brings the family together around the dinner table sharing stories and laughter.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 510 calories 19 g fat 48 g carbohydrates and 34 g protein making it a balanced meal.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (Parmesan cheese cream milk). Gluten-free if using gluten-free broth and checking all labels Always verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens if unsure.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid Wooden spoon or spatula Knife and cutting board Measuring cups and spoons
Save This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights bringing comfort and taste with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be substituted but may require a slightly shorter cooking time to avoid drying out.
- → What type of rice works best for this dish?
Long-grain white rice is recommended for its fluffy texture and ability to absorb flavors thoroughly.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Frozen peas or baby spinach added with the Parmesan at the end brighten the dish and add nutrients.
- → Can I swap cream for a lighter option?
Using half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of cream reduces richness while maintaining creaminess.
- → How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pot?
Toasting the rice in oil and stirring occasionally during cooking helps keep grains separate and prevents sticking.