Name: Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Rice Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 57 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 6 oz sun dried tomatoes (finely chopped, about 1/4-inch pieces); 1.5 tbsp tomato paste; 1.5 tsp oregano; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp paprika; 1.5 cups rice (rinsed until water runs clear); 22 oz chicken stock; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 3.5 oz cream (room temperature); 2 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 bunch fresh basil (roughly chopped)

Introduction

Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Rice is a comforting, flavorful one-dish meal that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy, tomato-infused rice. This easy bake is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. The fresh basil and parmesan finish add a bright, cheesy touch that everyone will love.

A white bowl is filled with creamy risotto that has a light beige color and a soft, slightly thick texture. Scattered evenly on top are golden-brown pieces of cooked chicken, small dark red sun-dried tomato bits, bright green fresh herb leaves, and a fine sprinkle of grated white cheese. The dish is sitting on a white marbled surface with a small wooden bowl of uncooked rice and some wheat stalks nearby. A wooden spoon and a brown cloth are placed beside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts

6 oz sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped (about 1/4-inch pieces)

1.5 tbsp tomato paste

1.5 tsp oregano

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp paprika

1.5 cups rice, rinsed in cold water until clear

22 oz chicken stock

Salt and pepper, to taste

3.5 oz cream, at room temperature

2 oz freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 bunch fresh basil, roughly chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes, grate the parmesan, and roughly chop the basil. Prepare all spices and ingredients before assembling.

Step 2: In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), mix the tomato paste with oregano, garlic powder, and paprika to create a flavorful base. Add the rinsed rice, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the rice is evenly coated and tomatoes are distributed.

Step 3: Nestle the chicken breasts evenly into the rice mixture. Pour the chicken stock over everything, submerging the rice mostly. This will cook the rice and infuse it with flavor while the chicken bakes.

Step 4: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, gently stir the rice, and check that chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and rice is tender. If needed, cover and bake an additional 10-20 minutes until creamy.

Step 5: Remove the chicken breasts and set aside. Stir the room-temperature cream into the hot rice gently to create a creamy sauce. Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the rice and stir until melted and combined.

Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the dish, nestling them into the creamy rice. Scatter fresh basil on top just before serving to preserve its bright flavor. Serve family-style or plate individually.

Tips & Variations

Use room-temperature cream to prevent curdling when mixing with hot rice.

Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly and adds better flavor than pre-shredded cheese.

Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices for a subtle heat boost.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use long-grain white rice or basmati. Just be sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly, as different rice varieties absorb liquid differently.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes if I don’t have any?

Sundried tomatoes add a rich umami flavor, but you can substitute with cherry tomatoes roasted until soft or even a small amount of tomato sauce to maintain the tomato presence in the dish.