Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe: Simple Family Favorite

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy parmesan chicken & rice that promises pure culinary bliss.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly alongside fluffy rice, creating a harmonious meal everyone craves.

Rich parmesan cheese weaves its magic through every delectable bite.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers with remarkable simplicity.

The combination of juicy chicken and creamy sauce guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor, you won’t be able to resist seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite one-pan wonder.

Pairings for Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy parmesan sauce and cut through the richness of the dish.
• Herbaceous Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, creamy chicken and rice, adding a fresh and zesty contrast to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetable Companions: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to provide a crunchy, slightly charred vegetable side that enhances the main dish's flavors.
• Crusty Bread Pairing: Serve warm, crusty French bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious parmesan sauce and add a delightful textural element to the meal.

Easy Recipe Spins to Try

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Alternative: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb, keto-friendly version that maintains the same creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Swap heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast to create a dairy-free alternative that still delivers rich, satisfying taste.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the seasoning, and use feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a Mediterranean-inspired variation with bright, aromatic flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Transformation: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder to the recipe, then top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty, southwestern-style chicken and rice dish that brings some heat to the table.

FAQs

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal because it has a fluffy texture and absorbs flavors well without becoming sticky or mushy during cooking.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great! They’re more forgiving and tend to stay juicier. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not completely. While the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, you’ll want to use gluten-free chicken broth to ensure the entire dish is gluten-free. Always check your specific broth label.

• How can I make this dish lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use less Parmesan cheese. You can also use skinless chicken breasts to reduce overall fat content while maintaining great flavor.

Why This Parmesan Chicken & Rice Is Comforting

• Simplify your cooking with this single-skillet meal that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor without complicated techniques.
• Packed with rich, creamy Parmesan sauce and golden-seared chicken, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste that appeals to both adults and kids.
• Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe adapts easily to different preferences and can be prepared quickly with minimal ingredients and cooking skills.
• Combines lean protein from chicken, hearty rice, and a creamy sauce that provides a balanced, filling meal that keeps everyone happy and nourished.

Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that provides the main protein source for this hearty one-skillet meal.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a rich, flavorful base for the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the rice perfectly.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture in the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty finish that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and other ingredients.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish to complete the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken and prevents sticking during cooking.
• Rice: Serves as a hearty, filling base that absorbs the creamy sauce and complements the chicken.

Instructions for Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear Chicken

Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken in the pan, creating a golden-brown crust on both sides.

This should take about 3-4 minutes per side.

The goal is a beautiful color, not complete cooking.

Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté over medium heat until ingredients become fragrant and soft, approximately 3 minutes.

If the pan seems dry, splash some broth to prevent sticking and lift up those tasty browned bits.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add rice to the skillet, allowing it to toast for 2-3 minutes.

This technique enhances the rice’s nutty flavor and prevents mushiness during cooking.

Step 4: Build the Cooking Liquid

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir ingredients together and bring to a gentle simmer.

Carefully return chicken to the skillet.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover skillet with a tight lid, reduce heat to low.

Allow everything to cook for 20-25 minutes.

Chicken should be fully cooked, rice tender and fluffy.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Remove skillet from heat.

Stir in Parmesan cheese, which will melt and create a luxurious, creamy sauce.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer chicken and rice directly from skillet to serving plates.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a vibrant touch of color and fresh flavor.

Cooking Tips for Creamy Chicken & Rice

• Toast the rice in the pan for 2-3 minutes before adding liquid to enhance flavor and maintain perfect texture.
• Keep those browned chicken bits in the pan when sautéing onions and garlic to create a rich, layered taste profile.
• Brown chicken in batches to ensure a golden crust, avoiding steaming and promoting better caramelization.
• Remove skillet from heat before stirring in Parmesan to prevent cheese from becoming grainy or separating.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs or turkey for a different protein variation that still works perfectly with the creamy rice.

How to Store Creamy Chicken & Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Label with date and contents. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing for longer to prevent texture degradation.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent rice from sticking. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety and maintaining creamy texture.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory creamy parmesan chicken & rice delivers comfort on a plate, blending tender chicken with rich, cheesy goodness. Hearty ingredients meld together, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains and Liquid Base:

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

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F until shimmering.
2. Carefully place chicken into hot skillet, ensuring spacing between pieces. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, creating a crispy exterior. Transfer partially cooked chicken to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet with remaining fond, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until aromatics become translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Introduce rice to the skillet, allowing grains to toast and absorb existing flavors for 2-3 minutes. This technique enhances the rice’s nutty undertones and prevents potential mushiness.
5. Gently pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to incorporate ingredients thoroughly. Bring liquid to a gentle simmer, then carefully return seared chicken to the pan.
6. Cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and allow mixture to cook undisturbed for 20-25 minutes. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and rice becomes tender and fluffy.
7. Remove skillet from heat and fold in Parmesan cheese until completely melted, creating a luxurious, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Plate directly from skillet, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Create a golden crust by ensuring the skillet is hot and avoiding overcrowding, which prevents steaming and promotes beautiful caramelization.
• Briefly toast rice in the pan before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavors and improve overall texture, preventing mushiness.
• Remove skillet from heat when stirring Parmesan to prevent cheese separation and maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
• Swap heavy cream with lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lower-fat versions, and use cauliflower rice for low-carb option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg