Imagine a mouthwatering dish that combines the rustic flavors of Tuscany with the convenience of a single-pan meal. This Tuscan Chicken and Rice Skillet is not just another recipe – it's a culinary adventure that brings restaurant-quality dining right to your kitchen in just 40 minutes! Packed with tender chicken, creamy Arborio rice, vibrant spinach, and a burst of Italian seasoning, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, measuring out the rice, chicken broth, and other ingredients.
- Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add the seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and mostly cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate, keeping it warm.
- In the same skillet, add the Arborio rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine with the rice and scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is almost tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the rice mixture.
- Add the fresh spinach and gently fold it into the skillet, allowing it to wilt for 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish.
- Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Use Arborio rice for a creamier, more authentic risotto-like texture. Make sure to toast the rice before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Chicken Prep: Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Seasoning Secret: Don't be shy with the Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese – they're the key to authentic Tuscan flavor.
- Skillet Selection: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet that conducts heat evenly to prevent burning and ensure perfect rice.
- Spinach Timing: Add spinach towards the end of cooking to maintain its bright green color and fresh taste.
- Resting is Key: Let the skillet rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken naturally.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine when toasting the rice or garnishing with fresh basil leaves just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
