Merken Indulge in a comforting, one-pan masterpiece with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Rice Skillet. This dish perfectly fuses rustic Tuscan flavors with homestyle comfort, featuring tender chicken pieces nestled in a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce. It's an elegant yet simple meal that brings a touch of Italy to your dinner table without the stress of multiple pots and pans.
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This recipe is designed for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners. By cooking the rice directly in the skillet with the chicken broth and aromatics, every grain becomes infused with the essence of garlic and herbs. The addition of fresh baby spinach at the end provides a vibrant pop of color and a boost of nutrition to this creamy delight.
Ingredients
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- Proteins: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 450 g), cubed into 2.5 cm pieces.
- Rice & Grains: 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed thoroughly.
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup chopped baby spinach, 1/3 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), and optional 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes.
- Dairy: 1 cup heavy cream, 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tbsp unsalted butter.
- Liquids: 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth.
- Seasonings & Oils: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), salt, black pepper, and fresh basil for garnish.
Instructions
- Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden on all sides (5–6 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- In the same skillet, cook the diced onion until translucent (about 3 minutes), then stir in the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add Tomatoes
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes (if using), and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
- Step 4: Toast the Rice
- Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat it with the oil and aromatic flavors.
- Step 5: Simmer the Rice
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 6: Create the Sauce
- Once the rice is nearly tender, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Return the chicken to the pan.
- Step 7: Final Simmer
- Simmer gently and uncovered for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is heated through.
- Step 8: Wilt Spinach
- Fold in the chopped spinach and cook for about 1 minute until just wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Step 9: Garnish and Serve
- Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving directly from the skillet.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of your pan, ensure you stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers under the lid. Rinsing the rice beforehand is crucial as it removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier grains that won't clump together in the creamy sauce.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
For those who prefer darker meat, you can easily substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result. If you are looking for a lighter alternative to heavy cream, half-and-half or evaporated milk works beautifully as a substitute. Ensure your broth is certified gluten-free to maintain the dietary integrity of the dish if necessary.
Serviervorschläge
This Tuscan Chicken Rice Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of the garlic-Parmesan sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Merken With its vibrant colors and rich textures, the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Rice Skillet is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're cooking for family or preparing meals for the week, this dish offers a sophisticated taste of Italy with the simplicity of one-pan cooking. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
Fragen & Antworten zum Rezept
- → Kann ich Hühnchen durch Putenfleisch ersetzen?
Ja, Putenfleisch eignet sich hervorragend als Alternative. Achten Sie darauf, dass das Fleisch nicht zu trocken wird – reduzieren Sie die Garzeit gegebenenfalls um wenige Minuten.
- → Welcher Reis eignet sich am besten?
Langkornreis wie Basmati oder Jasmin funktioniert am besten. Er nimmt die Flüssigkeit gut auf und wird schön fluffig. Vermeiden Sie Arborio-Reis, da er zu klebrig wird.
- → Wie kann ich das Gericht leichter machen?
Ersetzen Sie die schwere Sahne durch Halbfett-Sahne oder verdampfte Milch. Sie können auch weniger Parmesan verwenden oder durch fettärmeren Käse ersetzen.
- → Lässt sich die Pfanne vorbereiten?
Das Gericht schmeckt aufgewärmt noch besser. Sie können es am Vortag zubereiten und im Kühlschrank aufbewahren. Erwärmen Sie es mit einem Schuss Sahne oder Milch, um die Cremigkeit wiederherzustellen.
- → Kann ich frische Tomaten verwenden?
Ja, aber reduzieren Sie die Flüssigkeit etwas. Frische Tomaten geben mehr Wasser ab als getrocknete. Lassen Sie das Gericht etwas länger offen köcheln, um die Soße zu reduzieren.
- → Welche Beiladen passen dazu?
Ein knuspriges Baguette oder Ciabatta passt perfekt, um die restliche Soße aufzutunken. Ein einfacher grüner Salat mit Balsamico-Dressing ergänzt das Gericht wunderbar leicht.