Easy One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe for Busy Nights

Creamy parmesan chicken & rice converts ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Home cooks often seek meals that minimize cleanup while maximizing flavor and nutrition.

This straightforward dish combines tender chicken with rich, velvety sauce and perfectly cooked rice in a single skillet.

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions, and this recipe delivers elegance without complicated techniques or extensive preparation time.

Delicate herbs and sharp parmesan cheese elevate the classic combination of protein and grains into something truly special.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of textures and robust flavors that will delight your taste buds.

The magic happens when simple ingredients meld together, creating a memorable meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice That Hits the Spot

• Simplify Cooking: Transform complex meal preparation into an effortless one-pan wonder that minimizes kitchen cleanup and reduces cooking stress.
• Creamy Comfort Fusion: Blend rich Parmesan cheese with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, creating a luxurious texture that wraps your taste buds in pure comfort.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Deliver a restaurant-quality dinner in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families seeking delicious and satisfying meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Technique: Develop deep, layered tastes by browning chicken, toasting rice, and allowing ingredients to simmer together, ensuring every bite is packed with incredible depth and warmth.

Essential Ingredients for One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender protein that forms the heart of the dish, boneless and skinless for easy cooking.

• White Rice, Onion, Garlic: Classic base for a creamy one-pan dish, rice provides texture while onion and garlic add depth of flavor.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Broth creates moisture, cream adds richness, and Parmesan cheese brings a savory, slightly salty undertone.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Olive Oil, Fresh Parsley: Salt and pepper enhance overall taste, olive oil helps with browning, parsley adds fresh, bright garnish.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice in One Pan

Step 1: Season And Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Toast The Rice

Add rice to the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly golden and releases a nutty aroma.

Step 4: Create The Creamy Liquid Base

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, creating a smooth and rich liquid base. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Combine And Simmer

Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Allow everything to simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Finish

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious and creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle over the dish. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a comforting and delicious one-pan meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Tips for Extra Flavor in Every Spoonful

• Chicken Selection Matters: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Toasting Rice Technique: Gently toast rice before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
• Liquid Ratio Precision: Use exact measurements of chicken broth and cream to achieve the perfect creamy consistency without soggy rice.
• Low and Slow Simmering: Keep heat low and cover skillet tightly to allow rice to steam and chicken to become tender without burning.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Add Parmesan off the heat and stir quickly to create a smooth, silky sauce that coats every grain of rice and piece of chicken.

Best Practices for Storing and Reheating This Chicken & Rice Dish

Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.

Freezer Method: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring the meal remains fresh and flavorful.

Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently and heat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, preventing dryness and maintaining the creamy texture.

Pairings That Go Wonderfully With Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Reach for a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy richness of the dish. Its bright acidity will refresh your palate between bites of the hearty chicken and rice.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will provide a perfect contrast to the rich, cheesy main course.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add a caramelized, slightly crisp element. The vegetables' subtle char will elevate the dish's depth of flavor and provide a nutritious side.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Include a slice of warm, crusty sourdough to soak up the delicious Parmesan sauce. The bread's slight tanginess and crunchy texture will complement the creamy one-pan chicken perfectly.

Versions of Parmesan Chicken & Rice Worth Trying

• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Replace chicken with lean turkey breast and add dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Swap Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder. Use pepper jack cheese instead of Parmesan and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Mushroom Lovers' Edition: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with the onions and garlic. Add a splash of white wine during cooking and finish with fresh thyme leaves for an earthy, rich variation.
• Lemon Garlic Fusion: Brighten the dish by adding lemon zest and fresh lemon juice near the end of cooking. Include extra garlic and substitute half the cream with chicken stock for a lighter, tangier version.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Parmesan chicken and rice deliver comfort in a single skillet, blending Italian-inspired flavors with creamy textures. Silky rice, tender chicken, and rich parmesan cheese combine for a wholesome 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
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

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

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Instructions

1. Carefully season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage across both sides of the meat.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until it shimmers slightly, creating an ideal searing environment.
3. Gently place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Transfer browned chicken to a temporary plate, keeping the flavorful pan drippings intact.
5. Reduce skillet heat to medium and introduce finely diced onions, sautéing until they become translucent and release a soft, sweet aroma.
6. Add minced garlic to the onions, stirring quickly to prevent burning and create a fragrant base.
7. Introduce rice to the skillet, gently toasting the grains until they become slightly golden and emit a nutty fragrance.
8. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to integrate all ingredients and create a smooth, creamy liquid.
9. Carefully nestle the reserved chicken pieces back into the skillet, ensuring they are partially submerged in the creamy rice mixture.
10. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, reducing heat to low and allowing the dish to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes.
11. Check rice tenderness and chicken’s internal temperature, confirming both are perfectly cooked.
12. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, stirring until it melts completely and creates a luxurious, creamy texture.
13. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
14. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
15. Serve immediately, allowing the creamy chicken and rice to be enjoyed at its peak temperature and consistency.

Notes

• Achieve a golden-brown sear on chicken by using high heat and avoiding overcrowding the skillet, which ensures maximum flavor development.
• Select medium-grain rice for optimal creaminess and texture, as it absorbs liquid better than long-grain varieties.
• Create a rich, velvety sauce by slowly simmering the rice in chicken broth and heavy cream, allowing the grains to release their starches.
• Prevent dry chicken by cooking on low heat and covering the skillet, trapping moisture and ensuring even cooking throughout.
• Transform a simple dish into a gourmet experience by stirring freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which adds depth and a luxurious, nutty flavor.
• Elevate the presentation with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, adding a bright, herbal note and a pop of color to the creamy chicken and rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 43g
• Cholesterol: 155mg