One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Get ready for serious comfort food bliss: One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is the easiest, coziest way to turn a handful of simple ingredients into a dinner that everyone will go crazy for. Each forkful is blessed with creamy, cheesy rice and tender pan-seared chicken—all cooked together for max flavor and minimal mess!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is just how few ingredients you actually need—yet each one brings something important, whether it’s silkiness, savoriness, or a gorgeous finishing touch. Here’s what makes this dish shine:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide heartiness and soak up all the creamy, cheesy flavor as they gently simmer.
• 1 cup long-grain white rice: The rice cooks up fluffy and absorbs that dreamy sauce, making it the star sidekick.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Adds layers of savory depth and keeps everything moist.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Lends irresistible richness and gives the rice its silky, luscious texture.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce to create bold, nutty flavor and a creamy finish—freshly grated is best!
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Sautéed onion sweetens the base and boosts overall aroma.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a subtle kick that keeps the flavors vibrant and comforting.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for browning the chicken and creating a flavorful foundation.
• Salt and pepper to taste: A must for seasoning every layer, from chicken to sauce to rice.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Sprinkle for a pop of freshness and color right before serving.

Variations

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is endlessly flexible—feel free to swap in your favorite additions or adapt it for dietary needs. Here are some creative spins if you’re feeling adventurous or just want to use what’s in the fridge!

• Add veggies: Toss in peas, baby spinach, chopped mushrooms, or broccoli florets with the rice for color and a nutritional boost.
• Use different cheeses: Try mixing in shredded mozzarella or a little sharp cheddar for a new flavor profile.
• Make it dairy-free: Swap the cream for coconut cream (it’s surprisingly delicious!) and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
• Punch up the flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or a smidge of smoked paprika for extra oomph.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, then carefully add the chicken. Sear until they’re beautifully golden on both sides—about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside; it’ll finish cooking with the rice in a bit.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet (don’t wipe—it’s full of flavor!), add your chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes, stirring often, until the onion turns soft and transparent, and the kitchen smells heavenly. This step is where all the cozy flavor starts building up.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat every grain in the remaining oil and aromatic goodness. Toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently—this gives the finished dish a slightly nutty background flavor and keeps the rice from getting mushy.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth & Cream

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, making sure to scrape up any lovely browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir gently to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Now, nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet, snuggling them right into that creamy base.

Step 5: Cook Covered

Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer together for 20-25 minutes. The steam does all the hard work—cooking the chicken through and turning the rice perfectly tender and creamy. Stir once or twice to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan

Once the chicken is cooked (165°F internal is ideal) and the rice is soft, stir in the Parmesan cheese. It will quickly melt and thicken the sauce, giving the entire pan a heavenly salty, cheesy finish. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then get ready to serve!

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle the whole dish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot, scooping that creamy rice and chicken onto plates, and watch everyone dig right in!

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Garnishes

For the prettiest (and tastiest) finishing touch, shower the pan with more fresh chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan right before serving. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few lemon zest curls can also wake up the flavors if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

This dish is so satisfying that it doesn’t need much else—but a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, blistered green beans, or roasted veggies all pair beautifully. Garlic bread is always a slam dunk if you want to mop up every drop of creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving for company, slice the chicken diagonally and fan it over a mound of creamy Parmesan rice on each plate. For family style, place the whole skillet at the center of the table—let everyone help themselves and savor all that bubbling, golden goodness!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even cozier as they settle together overnight!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just know the rice may soften a bit more once thawed, but the flavors remain absolutely dreamy.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that creamy consistency. Stir often to prevent sticking and reheat only until warmed through for the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is the kind of comfort meal you’ll want to revisit again and again. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and deeply delicious—exactly the sort of dinner everyone looks forward to. Give it a place in your weeknight rotation and get ready to fall in love at first bite!

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