Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli Rice Recipe
Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli Rice is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender sautéed chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and creamy Parmesan-infused sauce all blended with fluffy cooked rice. This easy skillet meal comes together quickly, delivering a rich, savory flavor profile with a satisfying creamy texture perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Grains
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice for a lighter option)
- 1 pound diced chicken breast
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Oils
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter variation)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter/avocado oil)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, preparing the pan for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Add diced chicken breast to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through with a golden color.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, releasing a fragrant aroma without burning the garlic.
- Incorporate Broccoli: Add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender yet still vibrant green, adding crunch and nutrition.
- Pour in the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Mix in Rice and Cheese: Stir in the cooked rice and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and creates a rich, creamy sauce coating the ingredients.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, give one final stir, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use cooked rice prepared ahead of time or leftover rice to speed up the recipe.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half and use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken breast with firm tofu or additional vegetables.
- Do not overcook garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Feel free to swap broccoli with spinach, green beans, or other favorite vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning to taste as Parmesan cheese adds saltiness.
Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Chicken, Broccoli Rice, One-pan chicken recipe, Easy weeknight dinner, Comfort food, Chicken and rice skillet
