Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli Rice Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy Parmesan sauce over rice, it’s a quick meal that satisfies the whole family.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound diced chicken breast
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
2. Step 2: Add the diced chicken breast and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Step 4: Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender yet vibrant green.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently, and bring to a simmer to combine the flavors.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked rice and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste, stir once more, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute turkey or tofu for chicken to suit dietary preferences or add variety.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
• Swap broccoli with spinach or green beans for a different veggie twist.
• Try Pecorino Romano cheese if Parmesan isn’t available for a similar savory flavor.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes when seasoning.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well—just add it a little earlier in the cooking process to ensure it cooks through properly.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, savory flavor without dairy.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 69 reviews

A comforting and flavorful One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli Rice dish featuring tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and fluffy rice simmered in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Quick to prepare and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

• Author: Victoria
• 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 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 lb diced chicken breast
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

Base

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)

Dairy and Oils

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Flavorings

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the Olive Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. This prepares the pan for cooking the chicken evenly.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add diced chicken breast to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, allowing the aroma to develop without burning the garlic.
4. Incorporate Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender yet still vibrant green.
5. Pour in the Cream: Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet, stirring gently, then bring the mixture to a simmer to meld the flavors.
6. Mix in Rice and Cheese: Add 2 cups cooked rice and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly to combine, letting the cheese melt into a creamy sauce that coats all ingredients.
7. Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Give the dish a final stir and serve hot for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Can substitute chicken breast with turkey or tofu to suit dietary preferences.
• Other vegetables such as spinach or green beans can be used instead of broccoli for variation.
• Ensure garlic is not burned to avoid bitterness in the dish.
• Parmesan cheese can be replaced with Pecorino Romano if preferred.

Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Chicken, Broccoli Rice, One-Pan Meal, Easy Dinner, Chicken Recipe, Parmesan Chicken, Broccoli Recipe