First Step: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices to enhance the flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large, deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will cook further while simmering in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Second Step: Prepare the Rice

1. Sauté the Rice: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the rice to the pan and sauté it for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is lightly toasted. This step helps the rice absorb the flavor of the oil and seasoning.
2. Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir to make sure the rice is evenly distributed in the pan.
3. Simmer the Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through. Keep an eye on the pan to make sure the rice doesn’t burn.

Third Step: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. Create the Sauce Base: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
2. Add the Cheese: Once the cream is simmering, whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little milk if the sauce seems too thick.
3. Season the Sauce: Add the Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Fourth Step: Combine Everything

1. Add the Chicken Back: Once the rice is cooked, nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, placing them on top of the rice. Spoon some of the rice and broth mixture over the chicken to ensure it’s flavored.
2. Pour the Creamy Sauce: Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce over the chicken and rice. Cover the skillet and let it cook on low heat for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through fully and the sauce to thicken.
3. Optional Vegetables: If you’re using spinach, mushrooms, or peas, add them to the skillet about 5 minutes before the dish is done cooking. This allows them to cook down and soften without overcooking.

Final Step: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and creamy, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness.
2. Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and serve them over the creamy Parmesan rice. Spoon some of the sauce and rice onto the plate, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.