One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
When you need a dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile, One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is an absolute winner. This comforting classic combines tender chicken, perfectly fluffy rice, and a luscious, cheesy sauce all cooked together for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. It’s a dinner that feels fancy enough for a celebration but comes together easily on a weeknight, and every bite is rich, creamy, and loaded with savory goodness. If you love crowd-pleasing meals that don’t leave you with piles of dishes, you’ll adore this recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of simple, honest ingredients can work magic in one pan. Each element truly plays its part, whether it’s lending creaminess, a hearty bite, or that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts soak up the creamy sauce and become marvelously juicy while simmering with the rice.
- Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps the chicken get that beautiful golden sear at the start.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings warmth and a delicious aroma to the base of the dish.
- Short-grain white rice: This rice cooks up plump and tender, soaking in every drop of the flavorful sauce.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Heavy cream: The key to a dreamy, velvety texture and rich taste without feeling heavy.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and oh-so-melty—this is truly the star of the creamy sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out the layers of flavor in every bite.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brings a burst of vibrant color and a fresh herby finish to the finished dish.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until both surfaces are beautifully golden. No need to cook them through just yet—they’ll finish cooking with the rice, staying gorgeously moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Bloom the Garlic
Lower the heat slightly and add your minced garlic directly into the pan. Stir it around gently for a minute or so, just until fragrant—this quick step infuses the oil and builds a delicious flavor foundation for the entire dish. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can make it bitter.
Step 3: Add Rice and Liquids
Now, sprinkle your uncooked rice over the garlicky oil. Stir it around for a minute to toast the grains lightly—this helps prevent mushiness and brings out a subtle nutty flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, using a spatula to gently scrape up any golden bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (they’re flavor gold!). Stir until everything is just combined.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pan, making sure they’re partly submerged in the creamy liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat, cover, and let it cook undisturbed for about 18–22 minutes. The rice will become fluffy, the sauce will thicken, and the chicken will cook through, becoming fork-tender and juicy.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Finish
With the heat turned off, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese all over the rice and stir gently. The sauce will instantly become luxuriously creamy and decadent, thanks to that glorious Parmesan melt. Give everything a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary, then top with fresh parsley for a bright, beautiful finish. Serve your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice hot and watch it disappear!
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
Garnishes
An extra handful of grated Parmesan and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley amp up both the look and flavor of this dish. Add a twist of freshly ground black pepper or a light drizzle of olive oil for extra shine just before serving, making every plate look restaurant-level stunning.
Side Dishes
This cozy meal is perfectly satisfying on its own, but it pairs delightfully with a crisp green salad, roasted seasonal vegetables, or lightly charred asparagus. Warm, crusty bread is a fabulous sidekick for mopping up any of that creamy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice in individual shallow bowls, arranging a sliced chicken breast atop each scoop of creamy rice. You can also portion the dish into ramekins for an elegant dinner party vibe or top with lemon zest and microgreens for a fresh modern touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice will keep well in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an even more satisfying lunch or quick dinner later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the cream sauce may separate slightly when thawed, but a good stir while reheating will bring it back together nicely.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until hot. Or, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the creamy texture. Just be sure not to boil, as this can make the chicken tough and the sauce grainy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe, adding even more richness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may need a few extra minutes to become fully cooked and tender.
What type of rice works best for One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice?
Short-grain white rice is ideal for its creamy, tender texture, but you can also use long-grain or even Arborio rice if you want a slightly different consistency. Just be sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time as needed for the rice you choose.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels if serving someone with sensitivities.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to stir in chopped spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers during the last 10 minutes of cooking. They’ll add vibrant color and an extra boost of nutrition, making this meal even more complete.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative (like coconut cream or unsweetened cashew cream) and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. The dish won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious and creamy.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice holds a special place in my kitchen, and I truly believe it will in yours, too. It’s satisfying, simple, and just plain fun to make, with flavor that comforts and brings people together. Give it a try the next time you’re after a meal that’s equal parts easy and impressive—you might just find it becomes your own signature favorite.
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One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe is a comforting and delicious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy family dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are cooked with flavorful rice in a creamy Parmesan sauce, creating a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, add the rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Dish: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is tender.
- Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like peas or broccoli to the dish for extra nutrition.
- Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
