Simple Ingredients, One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that pack serious flavor into creamy parmesan chicken & rice.

Busy home cooks understand the challenge of crafting meals that satisfy without spending hours in the kitchen.

This comforting dish combines tender chicken with rich, cheesy rice in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste.

parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty depth that elevates every bite.

Each forkful promises a creamy, golden-brown experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

The recipe comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for those nights when you want something special without complicated steps.

Prepare to fall in love with this weeknight wonder that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Why Parmesan Chicken & Rice Is a Winner

• One-pan meal eliminates multiple dishes and complicated steps, making meal preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Toasting rice and browning chicken before simmering creates rich, complex layers of taste that elevate the entire dish.
• Creamy Parmesan sauce and tender chicken deliver ultimate satisfaction, perfect for those craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Adaptable recipe works great for family dinners, quick meals, or casual entertaining with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

What You Need for One Pan Chicken & Rice

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that forms the main star of this one-pan dish.

• Onion, Garlic: These foundational ingredients provide a deep, savory base flavor to the recipe.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and infuse depth into the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a luxuriously creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and rice.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a subtle herbal note.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken and prevent sticking in the skillet.
• White Rice: A classic grain that absorbs the creamy sauce and becomes tender during cooking.

How to Cook Creamy Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear Chicken

Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.

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

Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet and brown both sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Transfer browned chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté until onions become soft and translucent, and garlic turns light golden.

Ensure garlic doesn’t burn to maintain a delicate flavor profile.

Step 3: Toast Rice

Add uncooked rice directly into the skillet with onions and garlic.

Stir frequently and toast rice for 2-3 minutes until it develops a light golden color.

This toasting process enhances the overall depth of flavor in the dish.

Step 4: Build Creamy Liquid Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir ingredients thoroughly.

Gently return browned chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they’re partially submerged in the liquid.

Cover skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Cheese and Finish Cooking

Uncover skillet and stir in grated Parmesan cheese.

The cheese will melt and create a luxuriously creamy sauce.

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

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer chicken breasts onto a serving plate, spooning the creamy rice alongside.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and added freshness.

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious one-pan meal.

Creamy Chicken & Rice Cooking Tips

• Stir the rice occasionally and ensure there's enough liquid to keep it from burning or clumping at the bottom of the skillet.
• Brown the chicken first to lock in flavors, then let it finish cooking gently in the liquid to keep it tender and juicy.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother, more authentic melting quality compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• Adjust spiciness by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the seasoning for those who enjoy a bit of kick.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that maintains the dish's creamy essence.

How to Store Chicken & Rice Leftovers

• Store the chicken and rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir gently and frequently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Best Pairings for Creamy Chicken & Rice

Elevate Flavor Companions: Perfect Pairings for Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Pop with Crisp Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, balancing the rich creaminess of the chicken and rice. Bright citrus notes will cut through the dish's heaviness, creating a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak undertones. Its buttery character harmonizes beautifully with the creamy Parmesan sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Brighten with Roasted Vegetables: Roast asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil. Their caramelized edges and slight bitterness provide a delightful counterpoint to the smooth, cheesy rice and tender chicken.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the luxurious sauce. Its tangy undertones and crisp exterior will add delightful texture and help you enjoy every last drop of the creamy goodness.

Fun Variations on Chicken & Rice

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary to the chicken seasoning. Include diced bell peppers and swap Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese to give the dish a Greek-inspired profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika into the chicken seasoning. Mix in diced green chilies and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty, southwestern-style one-pan meal.

FAQs

• Why should I brown the chicken before cooking it completely?

Browning the chicken creates a delicious golden crust that locks in flavor and adds a rich, caramelized exterior. This technique enhances the overall taste and texture of the chicken before it finishes cooking in the creamy sauce.

• Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

While the recipe works best with white rice, you can substitute with long-grain rice or basmati. Just be aware that cooking times might slightly vary, so you’ll need to adjust liquid amounts and cooking time accordingly.

• Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the recipe?

The heavy cream creates a luxurious, rich sauce that makes the dish extra creamy. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less thick and rich.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink areas.

One-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling parmesan chicken & rice delivers comfort straight from your kitchen, blending rich flavors into one delightful skillet. Tender chicken nestled among perfectly seasoned rice promises a quick, satisfying meal packed with creamy goodness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Starches:

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

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Elevate the chicken breasts with a robust salt and pepper seasoning, ensuring an even coating across the surface.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering, then carefully place seasoned chicken breasts to achieve a golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Transfer browned chicken to a temporary plate, maintaining the flavorful skillet for subsequent cooking stages.
4. Introduce chopped onions and minced garlic into the same skillet, sautéing until onions become translucent and garlic releases its aromatic essence, approximately 2-3 minutes.
5. Incorporate uncooked rice directly into the aromatic mixture, gently toasting and stirring to develop a rich, nutty undertone for 2 minutes.
6. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious liquid base, then carefully reposition the browned chicken breasts within the mixture.
7. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and allow the ensemble to simmer for 20-25 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent rice from adhering to the bottom.
8. Once rice reaches tender consistency and chicken is thoroughly cooked, uncover and fold in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce transforms into a velvety consistency.
9. Perform a final seasoning adjustment, adding salt and pepper as desired.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, presenting the chicken atop the creamy rice for an elegant and comforting meal.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance flavor absorption.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melting and richer taste compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• Swap heavy cream with lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a healthier version without compromising creaminess.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg