Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli Rice Recipe

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Looking for a comforting, quick, and flavorful dinner? This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli Rice combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy Parmesan sauce for a one-pan meal everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is simple to make, packed with flavor, and delivers the cozy satisfaction of a homemade dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 2 chicken breasts, diced (or turkey/tofu for variation)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or lightly steamed
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter/avocado oil)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes or Italian herbs for extra flavor

Instructions For Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli Rice

1. Heat the Oil
   In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil until shimmering.
2. Cook the Chicken
   Add diced chicken and sauté 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
3. Add Garlic
   Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, careful not to burn.
4. Incorporate Broccoli
   Add broccoli florets and sauté 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Pour in Cream
   Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to blend.
6. Add Rice and Cheese
   Mix in cooked rice and Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is coated in creamy sauce.
7. Season and Serve
   Add salt, pepper, and optional seasonings to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips

• Prep ingredients in advance to save cooking time.
• Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for a faster meal.
• Avoid overcooking broccoli to maintain its vibrant color and crunch.
• Enhance flavor with red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs.
• Garnish with parsley or basil for a fresh, colorful finish.

Why This Recipe Works

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli Rice is quick, comforting, and packed with protein and veggies. It’s a one-pan meal, reducing cleanup while delivering rich flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.

Substitutions & Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
• Herbs: Toss in fresh basil, thyme, or parsley for extra aroma.
• Cheese Variation: Swap Parmesan with cheddar or mozzarella.
• Grain Swap: Use quinoa or farro instead of rice for a nutrient boost.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

• Make-Ahead: Can be prepared up to 3 days in advance.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

Serving Ideas For Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli Rice

• Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Pair with garlic bread to soak up extra creamy sauce.
• Complement with a chilled white wine for a complete meal.
• Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half works well for a lighter version. Coconut milk is a dairy-free alternative.

Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, carrots, peas, or spinach can be added for extra nutrition and color.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free when served with gluten-free rice.

How do I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking for a subtle heat.

Cooking this Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli Rice is an easy way to bring a comforting, flavorful meal to your table. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli come together for a dish that’s sure to be a family favorite. Quick, simple, and satisfying, this recipe combines convenience with taste, making it perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli Rice

Olivia taling

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli Rice is a comforting one-pan meal made with tender diced chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• large skillet
• cutting board
• chef’s knife
• wooden spoon or spatula
• measuring cups

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and pepper, to taste
• red pepper flakes or Italian herbs (optional)

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil until shimmering.
• Add diced chicken and sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
• Add broccoli florets and sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to blend.
• Mix in cooked rice and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
• Season with salt, pepper, and optional seasonings to taste. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Prep ingredients ahead to save time. Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. Avoid overcooking broccoli to keep it vibrant and tender-crisp. For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently.

Keyword creamy chicken rice, easy weeknight dinner, one-pan chicken and rice, parmesan chicken broccoli

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