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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice - 3 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - 1 cup frozen peas (optional) Gather these ingredients to prepare a delightful one-pan meal. The chicken thighs give a rich flavor, while jasmine rice absorbs all the tasty broth. Heavy cream and Parmesan create a creamy base that brings everything together. The garlic adds a punch of flavor, and Italian herbs give it a Mediterranean touch. Use salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste. Olive oil helps to sear the chicken, adding a lovely crispiness. You can add frozen peas for color and extra nutrition. Make sure to have fresh parsley on hand for a bright garnish. This dish not only tastes great but also looks beautiful on your table. With these ingredients, you’re ready to create a comforting meal that will impress everyone. To start, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Make sure the oil is hot. Then, season the four chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet and sear for about five minutes on each side. The goal is to get a nice golden brown color. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Next, it’s time to make the rice mixture. In the same skillet, add three minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 30 seconds. You want to smell the garlic but not burn it. After that, pour in three cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer. Then, add one cup of uncooked jasmine rice and one teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Stir well and add salt and pepper to taste. Now, place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet. Nestle them into the rice mixture. This helps the chicken soak up all those flavors. Cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for about 18 to 20 minutes. The rice should be fully cooked, and the liquid should be absorbed. Once the rice is done, reduce the heat to low. Stir in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it well until everything is creamy. If you want, you can add one cup of frozen peas. Cook for an additional three to five minutes until heated through. Finally, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this creamy delight! For the best flavor, I like to use dried Italian herbs. They bring a nice blend of taste. You can also try fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. These add a vibrant touch to your dish. Experiment with the seasonings to find what you love best. To get that creamy texture, stir the heavy cream in slowly. This helps it mix well with the other ingredients. When adding the Parmesan cheese, make sure the heat is low. This way, the cheese melts perfectly without clumping. If you see clumps, keep stirring until smooth. To check if the chicken is done, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white and juices clear. For the rice, ensure it absorbs all the broth. If it's still crunchy, cover and cook a few more minutes. Patience is key for the best results! {{image_2}} You can easily switch the chicken for other proteins. Try using shrimp or tofu for a fun twist. Both options cook fast and soak up flavors well. If you want beef, thin slices of steak work great too. When it comes to rice, jasmine is perfect, but don't stop there. You can use brown rice for a nutty flavor. Quinoa is another healthy choice. Just be aware that cooking times may change, so adjust your liquid and heat as needed. Adding vegetables can make this dish even better. Bell peppers add color and crunch, while carrots offer sweetness. You can toss in some spinach for extra nutrients. Just add them in during the last few minutes of cooking. For a cheesy twist, try other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda. Each cheese brings a unique taste. Mix them in with the cream for a rich flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free broth. Make sure the rice you choose is also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish without worry. For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk. This keeps the dish creamy while adding a hint of sweetness. You can use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for added flavor. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can use glass or plastic containers. They keep the food fresh and safe. Label it with the date so you remember when you made it. If you want longer storage, freezing is a great option. Make sure to let the dish cool completely. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot. In the fridge, this dish lasts up to four days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or it smells off, throw it away. If the rice looks dry or hard, it’s time to discard it. Yes, you can use other types of rice. Brown rice or basmati rice work well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to add more liquid and time. Basmati rice cooks faster, so check it often. To add spice, use red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic. If you like it hot, mix in some hot sauce at the end. This will give your dish a nice kick. This dish is great on its own. However, a fresh salad or steamed vegetables pair nicely. Garlic bread also makes a tasty side. You can serve roasted broccoli or green beans for a healthy touch. Check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe. You can also cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. Yes, this dish can be made ahead. Cook it fully and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner later! You can create a delicious meal with simple ingredients like chicken, rice, and cream. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you cook this one-pan dish easily. Remember to use fresh herbs and seasonings for the best taste. Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients based on your diet or preferences. Above all, enjoy cooking and sharing this dish with others. With practice, you’ll master it and impress everyone at your table.

One-Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Indulge in a delicious One-Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice that's sure to impress! This easy recipe combines succulent chicken thighs, creamy Parmesan, and fragrant garlic all cooked together for a quick weeknight meal. With just one pan, cleanup is a breeze! Dive into this hearty dish that's ready in under 40 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and make dinner a flavorful experience!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup uncooked jasmine rice

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

    In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

      Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the uncooked jasmine rice, Italian herbs, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.

        Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them into the rice. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

          Reduce the heat to low, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing well until creamy. If using, add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until heated through.

            Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4