Description
A luxurious recipe featuring tender chicken and velvety rice, enhanced with a savory sauce and bright herb finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb), patted dry
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed until water runs clear
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or a 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio)
- 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon zest from 1/2 lemon (optional, finely grated)
- Freshly ground black pepper, for finishing
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and melt, scraping the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Add sliced onion and cook for 6–8 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup warm chicken broth, scraping the fond to capture all flavor. Let the liquid reduce by half.
- Add remaining chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until silky and begin to simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add rice, stirring to distribute evenly. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Nestle the seared chicken into the simmering mixture, cover, and cook on low for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of warm broth.
- Stir in Parmesan and butter for a smooth finish. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and lemon zest before serving.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature butter, warm liquids, and freshly grated Parmesan. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg