Step-by-Step Instructions
Sear the Chicken:
Season both sides of the chicken well with Italian seasoning salt black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook the other side until the chicken is just cooked through and juices run clear. Remove the chicken to a plate and loosely tent with foil
Build the Flavor Base:
Turn the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir constantly for about one minute so the garlic softens and releases fragrance without burning. Add fresh lemon juice and zest scraping up every browned bit from the pan using a wooden spoon. This ensures every speck of flavor ends up in the rice
Toast the Rice:
Pour the uncooked rice straight into the skillet. Stir well to coat the grains in the garlicky lemony residue and let it toast lightly for a minute or two. This step helps the rice absorb maximum flavor and creates a slightly nutty taste
Simmer the Rice:
Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring it to a gentle boil. Immediately dial the heat down to low cover the pan and let it simmer for eighteen to twenty minutes. Do not stir while the rice cooks so it can steam and absorb all the broth evenly
Creamify and Finish:
Once the rice is tender and the broth is gone remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Pour in the heavy cream and add the freshly grated parmesan stirring until it melts into the rice and turns everything smooth and creamy. Let it rest for one minute
Serve and Garnish:
Spoon the creamy rice onto warm plates slice the chicken and arrange on top. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Finish with a few extra lemon wedges so each person can add extra citrus to their taste
You Must Know
- High in protein from tender chicken
- Perfect for make-ahead lunches
- Packed with bright flavors and creamy texture
When I picked out lemons at the market for this dish my son wanted to help zest them and now zesting lemons together is our thing. Parmesan is my favorite ingredient and grating it fresh right over the hot rice is one of those tiny kitchen moments that feels like a treat.
Storage Tips
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