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Creamy One-Pot Lemon Parmesan Chicken and Rice

creamy one-pot lemon parmesan chicken and rice - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with lemony, creamy parmesan rice. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2½ cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the parsley. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
  2. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet. Add chicken thighs and brown for 4-5 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium and sauté minced garlic in the same pan for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat in the garlic oil. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring gently to combine.
  5. Nestle the browned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Check if rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). If rice needs more time, cover and cook an additional 3-5 minutes.
  7. Remove chicken and stir heavy cream and grated parmesan into the rice until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with optional lemon wedge.

Notes

Rinse rice to prevent clumping. Use fresh parmesan for best sauce texture. Keep lid on during simmer to trap steam. Adjust lemon juice to taste. If sauce is too thick, add broth or water; if too thin, cook uncovered briefly to reduce.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, lemon chicken, parmesan, chicken and rice, easy dinner, creamy chicken, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/creamy-one-pot-lemon-parmesan-chicken-and-rice-easy-recipe-for-dinner/