Description
A delicious and creamy one-pan dish featuring tender seared chicken thighs nestled in garlic-infused Parmesan rice, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to ensure they are flavorful.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Toast Rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to lightly toast the grains and develop flavor.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Finish Rice with Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the rice mixture turns creamy and well combined.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the creamy rice. Cover and heat for an additional 2 minutes to warm the chicken through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted, but reduce searing time to avoid overcooking.
- Add baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for an easy way to include greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
