Quick & Flavorful One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice dish that promises to simplify your dinner routine.

Weeknight meals can feel like a juggling act, but this recipe cuts through the chaos with minimal cleanup.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle into a bed of fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory depth that makes every bite irresistible.

Creamy sauce coats each grain and chicken morsel, ensuring maximum deliciousness in every forkful.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients come together with minimal effort.

You’ll want to make this crowd-pleasing meal again and again.

What You’ll Need For One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that forms the heart of this delicious one-pan meal.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic ingredients provide a deep, savory base that adds complexity to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and rice.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, green garnish and subtle herbal note to the finished dish.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and infuse additional depth into the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, creamy sauce that binds the ingredients together.
• Olive Oil: Provides a base for cooking and adds a smooth, subtle flavor to the recipe.

• White Rice: A versatile grain that absorbs the creamy sauce and provides a satisfying base for the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that melts beautifully and adds a luxurious finish to the sauce.

Simple Steps To Cook One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides. Transfer chicken to a nearby plate.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté until onions become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful aroma.

Step 3: Toast Fluffy Rice

Add rice to the skillet, stirring constantly to coat with oil and onion mixture. Toast for a few minutes until rice looks slightly translucent and smells nutty.

Step 4: Build Creamy Liquid Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir gently to combine ingredients and create a smooth, rich liquid base.

Step 5: Simmer Chicken and Rice Together

Return chicken breasts to the skillet. Cover tightly with a lid, reduce heat to low. Allow everything to simmer quietly for 20-25 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken cooks completely through.

Step 6: Melt Parmesan Magic

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a luscious, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Cooking Tips For One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Perfectly Brown Chicken: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Prevent Rice Sticking: Stir rice constantly while toasting to coat grains evenly and prevent burning or sticking to the skillet.
• Creamy Sauce Secret: Use room temperature heavy cream to help it blend smoothly and prevent curdling when added to hot ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that maintains the dish's creamy, comforting texture.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil instead of parsley to add a personalized flavor profile to the dish.

Fun Twists On One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb, keto-friendly alternative that maintains the creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and add oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired version with bright, zesty notes.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to create a dairy-free, allergen-friendly recipe that's equally rich and satisfying.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder, then top with pepper jack cheese for a bold, fiery version that brings southwestern flair to the classic dish.

Good Sides With One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Elevate Flavor Companions: Fresh Crisp Salad
• Toss a light, zesty mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness. Arugula, baby spinach, and cucumber create a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken and rice.
• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Chardonnay
• Select a medium-bodied, lightly oaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy parmesan sauce. Its buttery notes will enhance the dish's richness without overpowering the delicate chicken flavor.
• Herbal Brightness Booster: Roasted Asparagus
• Roast asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper to add a vibrant green vegetable side.

Best Way To Store One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and rice remain fresh and safe to eat.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to a freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little chicken broth or water to restore moisture.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice FAQ

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the liquid and cooking time. Add about 1/2 cup extra broth and extend the cooking time by 15-20 minutes.

• Is it possible to make this dish without heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can also use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness. Just adjust cooking time if using thicker cuts.

Why Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Simplify Cooking: One-pan method eliminates multiple dishes, reducing kitchen cleanup and making meal preparation stress-free.
• Protein-Packed Comfort: Tender chicken combined with creamy rice creates a satisfying meal that keeps everyone full and happy.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows quick additions like vegetables or swapping protein types to match family preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish perfect for busy households needing delicious meals fast.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 32-38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice combines comfort and convenience in a single skillet. Savory chicken nestles among perfectly cooked rice, creating a rich, cheesy meal families will devour with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Dairy:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating for robust flavor profile.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into hot skillet, browning each side until golden and developing rich caramelization, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Transfer browned chicken to a temporary plate, preserving skillet’s flavorful residue.
5. Reduce heat to medium and introduce finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the same skillet, sautéing until aromatic and translucent, releasing their sweet essence.
6. Incorporate uncooked rice, gently toasting for 2-3 minutes while continuously stirring to prevent burning and enhance nutty undertones.
7. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious liquid base, and stir thoroughly to integrate ingredients.
8. Allow mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then nestle browned chicken breasts back into the skillet.
9. Cover tightly with lid, reducing heat to low, and let contents gently cook for 20-25 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken reaches perfect doneness.
10. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, stirring until completely melted and sauce transforms into a silky, creamy consistency.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize chicken thickness by pounding breasts to even 1/2-inch thickness for consistent, faster cooking and better flavor absorption.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming overly salty.
• For gluten-free variation, replace regular rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Create dairy-free alternative by substituting heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

• Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
• Cook Time: 27-31 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg