Indulge your taste buds with a delightful Italian classic that promises to elevate your dinner game to a whole new level! Our Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and rich, creamy Parmesan sauce all nestled on a bed of fluffy rice. With just 45 minutes of your time, you can whip up a dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup rice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 1 cup of rice, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. Set the rinsed rice aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides and place them in the skillet.
- Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5 minutes, or until they are soft and browned, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the rinsed rice to the skillet with the mushrooms, stirring to combine. Toast the rice for about 1-2 minutes, allowing it to absorb some of the flavors.
- Pour in 2 cups of water (or chicken broth for added flavor) and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese over low heat. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the rice is done, remove the skillet from heat. Fluff the rice with a fork and then return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice.
- Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce over the chicken and rice, ensuring everything is well coated. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the creamy Parmesan chicken with mushroom rice hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare your ingredients in advance. Slice the mushrooms and season the chicken breasts a few hours before cooking to allow the flavors to meld.
- Use Broth for Extra Flavor: Instead of water, use chicken broth when cooking the rice for an added depth of flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: When cooking the mushrooms, take your time to sauté them until they are golden brown. This caramelization enhances their flavor and adds richness to the dish.
- Check Chicken Temperature: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This guarantees juicy, tender chicken every time.
- Garnish for Presentation: Elevate your dish’s appearance by garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
