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I love this Italian Chicken and Rice dinner because it comes together without adding extra work. It is so simple because everything comes together in one pan. It has that rich flavor without feeling heavy, and it’s super easy to serve. It is a reliable weeknight dinner that I often make on busy nights.
👉 You are going to love my Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet.
This Italian chicken and rice is a one-pot dinner made with seasoned chicken, jasmine rice, chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Everything cooks together in a single pot for an easy, comforting meal. The rice absorbs the flavors while the chicken stays tender. This recipe works well for busy weeknights and simple family dinners.
Why you’ll love this recipe…
I make this recipe on repeat because it is so simple and feels complete. The rice cooks evenly, the chicken stays tender, and the cream and Parmesan finish it off perfectly. It is an easy meal to serve and does not leave a sink full of dishes.
⏰ Total Time: About 35 minutes
🍂 Perfect For: Weeknight dinners, one-pot meals
🛒 Key Ingredients: Chicken, rice, Parmesan cheese
🍽️ Servings: 4
🥄 Skill Level: Easy
🧊 Storage: Refrigerator friendly
👉 My One Pot Chicken Teriyaki and Rice is another delicious rice dinner that you are going to want to add to your regular dinner rotation.
Made With Love,
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Need for Italian Chicken and Rice
- Full Ingredients List
- Swaps & Substitutions
- About What This Costs
- How to Make Italian Chicken and Rice
- Italian Chicken and Rice Variations
- Tips and Tricks
- Recipe FAQs – Italian Chicken and Rice
- Serving Suggestions
- Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- How I Use the Leftovers
- More Great Chicken and Rice Dinners
- Italian Chicken and Rice Recipe
What You’ll Need for Italian Chicken and Rice
- Chicken breast: Cooks quickly and stays tender when cubed.
- Jasmine rice: Absorbs yummy flavor and cooks evenly.
- Heavy cream and Parmesan: Finishes the dish with richness.
👉 When I want another creamy rice dinner, my Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is a great choice.
Full Ingredients List
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice or white rice
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list and exact amounts — perfect for saving or printing for later.
Swaps & Substitutions
- White rice can be used in place of jasmine rice.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breast.
- Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream as a lighter option.
About What This Costs
Estimated total cost: $12–15
Servings: 4
Estimated cost per serving: About $3–4
This estimate is based on average US grocery prices and may vary depending on location, store, and seasonal pricing.
How to Make Italian Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Once the oil is hot and the butter is melted, add the cubed chicken, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, diced onion, and minced garlic.
Step 3: Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is mostly cooked through.
Step 4: Add the chicken broth and uncooked rice and stir well.
Step 5: Cover and let simmer for 17–20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Once the rice is tender, turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted.
Step 7: Serve warm.
🔒 The step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below — don’t forget to save it for later!
Italian Chicken and Rice Variations
- Add vegetables if desired for extra texture.
- Use extra Parmesan for a richer finish.
👉 Slow Cooker Meatless Chili Mac is a filling, hearty meal that does not include meat.
My Pro TipS
Tips and Tricks
- Stir the rice occasionally so it cooks evenly.
- Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Adding cream at the end prevents curdling.
Recipe FAQs – Italian Chicken and Rice
Yes, it reheats well and keeps its texture.
Yes, it thickens slightly after resting.
It is best stored in the refrigerator rather than frozen.
👉 Slow Cooker Alfredo Tuscan Chicken is another creamy dinner that reheats well.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad.
- Add my Easy One Hour Dinner Rolls on the side.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top if desired.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for best texture.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
👉 Green Chili Ranch Chicken with Potatoes & Carrots is useful when planning slow cooker meals.
How I Use the Leftovers
- Reheat for lunch the next day.
- Serve in bowls bowls with extra cheese.
- Serve with vegetables on the side.
More Great Chicken and Rice Dinners
Pin this recipe on Pinterest to save it for later!
Italian Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice or white rice
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter in a pot over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken, seasonings, onion, and garlic. Cook 5–6 minutes.
- Add broth and rice. Cover and simmer 17–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off heat and stir in cream and Parmesan until melted.
Notes
- Stir rice occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add cream at the end for best texture.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest result.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Easy, fast and yummy! I will make again soon. Love your cookbook. Thanks for sharing!
Delicious! Makes for great comfort food as well.
Just made this. It was delicious!
Yummy!