In a 10 or 12-inch skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add 1 pound of diced chicken. As the chicken cooks, stir it occasionally and sprinkle on 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, along with a pinch or two of salt and ground black pepper. You'll want to cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until it's no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This initial browning is key for developing flavor.
Next, once the chicken is cooked through, add in 1 cup of uncooked long grain rice along with 2 ½ cups of chicken broth and 6 ounces of sliced mushrooms. Stir everything together, making sure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid. This is where the magic begins as the rice absorbs all that delicious flavor!
Now, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer. Allow the dish to cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and fully cooked through. It's important to resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as the steam helps cook the rice perfectly.
After the rice has cooked, remove the lid and give everything a good stir. Next, it's time to enrich the dish by stirring in ½ cup of heavy whipping cream and ¼ cup of shredded parmesan cheese. As you mix, you’ll see the creaminess come together beautifully, coating the chicken and rice in a luscious sauce.
Finally, season your dish to taste with additional salt and ground black pepper. If you like, garnish with more parmesan and some fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the wonderful aroma and flavors of your creation!