Sizzling One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Comfort arrives in a delightful one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice that promises pure culinary magic.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions for busy households.

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

The parmesan adds a luxurious depth that turns an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

Each bite blends creamy textures with savory notes that dance across your palate.

Perfectly seasoned and effortlessly prepared, this recipe becomes your new go-to weeknight wonder.

Dive into this delectable meal that brings restaurant-quality comfort straight to your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 687 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein centerpiece that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fresh, evenly sized breasts for consistent cooking.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance chicken's natural taste and create flavor depth.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavor-building duo that creates a robust, savory base, select firm onions and fresh garlic for maximum taste intensity.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking medium that adds subtle richness and prevents sticking.

• Rice: Fluffy grain that absorbs surrounding flavors, select long-grain varieties for best texture.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid foundation that infuses depth and moisture into the entire dish.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious binding element that creates silky, indulgent sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, umami-rich ingredient that melts into creamy perfection.
• Parsley: Fresh herb garnish that adds bright, clean finish and visual appeal.

Tools to Cook One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Easily

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking everything in one pan, providing even heat and easy stirring.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring rice, sautéing onions, and mixing ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure rice, chicken broth, and cream for consistent results.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for chopping onions, mincing garlic, and cutting parsley with precision.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Cheese Grater: Helps shred fresh Parmesan cheese for the creamiest texture.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for precise seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step-by-Step for One-Pan Chicken & Rice Dinner

• Chicken Preparation

Brown seasoned chicken in a hot skillet until golden, creating a delicious outer crust that locks in flavor. Set aside while preparing other ingredients.

• Aromatic Foundation

Sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet, releasing their rich, fragrant essence that will infuse the entire dish with mouthwatering depth.

• Rice Transformation

Introduce rice to the skillet, allowing it to toast and develop a nutty, complex flavor that elevates the entire meal’s taste profile.

• Liquid Magic

Stream in creamy broth, creating a luscious base that will transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.

• Unified Cooking

Reunite chicken with rice, letting everything simmer together until the rice becomes tender and the chicken reaches perfect doneness. The skillet becomes a harmony of flavors melding seamlessly.

• Cheesy Finale

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, watching it melt into a silky sauce that adds luxurious richness to the entire dish. Adjust seasoning to personal taste.

• Serving Celebration

Scatter fresh herbs on top, bringing a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy, comforting meal ready to be devoured.

Additions & Substitutions for More Variety

• Replace chicken breasts with thighs, turkey cutlets, or boneless pork chops for different flavor profiles and textures.
• Mix in diced carrots, peas, or spinach during the rice cooking process to add nutrition and color to the one-pan meal.
• Introduce red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning blend to enhance the dish's depth and create a personalized taste experience.
• Use low-fat milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and opt for reduced-fat Parmesan cheese to create a healthier version without compromising flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese types like pecorino romano, add fresh herbs like thyme or basil, or incorporate regional spice blends to transform the classic recipe into an international sensation.

Serving One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Creatively

• Party Platter Potential: Create a stunning appetizer spread by slicing the chicken and arranging it beautifully with toothpicks alongside small dipping sauces like garlic aioli or herb-infused mayo.
• Hearty Lunch Companion: Pack leftover portions in meal prep containers with a side of crisp mixed green salad for a satisfying midday meal that will keep you energized through afternoon work hours.
• Elegant Dinner Presentation: Plate the creamy chicken and rice on white ceramic dishes, sprinkle extra fresh parsley, and pair with a chilled glass of white wine like pinot grigio for a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Option: Transport this dish in a warm casserole carrier for family gatherings, ensuring the creamy texture remains perfect and the flavors stay rich during travel and serving.

Storage & Reheat Guide for One-Pan Chicken & Rice

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The creamy rice and chicken maintain their delicious texture when properly sealed and chilled quickly after cooking.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion the dish into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention by removing excess air from the storage container.
• Reheating Magic: Breathe new life into cold leftovers by adding a splash of chicken broth when warming. Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to restore the creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
• Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for busy weeknights! Prepare the entire dish in advance, dividing into meal-sized portions that can be quickly reheated for a stress-free dinner solution. Simply pair with a quick side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Hearty Parmesan Chicken & Rice

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice delivers comfort through rich, cheesy flavors and simple preparation. Savory ingredients combine effortlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup rice (long-grain white)
• 2 cups (16 fl oz) chicken broth
• 1 cup (8 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 onion (small, finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Parsley (fresh, chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prep Protein: Season chicken breasts thoroughly with salt and pepper, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden-brown crust on chicken by cooking 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Build Aromatics: Reduce heat and sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic, stirring to prevent burning and develop a fragrant base.
4. Toast Rice: Introduce rice to the skillet, gently toasting until grains turn golden and release a nutty aroma.
5. Create Liquid Base: Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to blend ingredients into a smooth, creamy mixture.
6. Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet, partially submerging in the rice mixture. Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches perfect doneness.
7. Finish and Enhance: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dish, stirring until completely melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and plate immediately, preserving the dish’s optimal temperature and creamy consistency.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Searing: Brown chicken on medium-high heat to lock in juices and develop a flavorful golden crust, which enhances overall dish depth.
• Rice Toasting Technique: Gently toast rice grains before adding liquid to release nutty flavors and prevent clumping, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Moisture Management: Keep skillet covered during simmering to trap steam, ensuring rice cooks evenly and chicken remains tender and succulent.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Add Parmesan off heat to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy sauce that coats every bite perfectly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 687
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg