Effortless One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Creamy parmesan chicken and rice represents the ultimate comfort food for busy home cooks seeking satisfying meals.

Weeknight dinner challenges disappear with this simple yet luxurious dish that revamps ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Robust flavors emerge through carefully balanced seasonings and smooth, rich textures that dance across your palate.

Professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts alike appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal kitchen equipment.

Quality ingredients play a critical role in elevating this classic combination from mundane to magnificent.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings create depth and complexity that revamp basic proteins and grains into something extraordinary.

Each forkful promises a perfect harmony of tender chicken, velvety rice, and savory parmesan notes that comfort and delight.

What Pairs with Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair this creamy chicken dish with a chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, whose buttery notes and crisp acidity perfectly complement the rich, cheesy rice and tender chicken.
• Fresh Salad Side Kick: Create a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness, adding a bright, peppery contrast that refreshes the palate between bites.
• Roasted Vegetable Companion: Serve with roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil and garlic, providing a caramelized, slightly charred texture that enhances the creamy chicken and rice's smooth profile.
• Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: Craft a refreshing mocktail with sparkling water, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of honey, offering a light, tangy beverage that cleanses the palate and balances the dish's creamy intensity.

Recipe Swaps for Chicken Parmesan Rice Bake

• Zesty Mediterranean Spin: Replace chicken with lean lamb, swap onions for shallots, and add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, incorporate diced green chiles, cumin, and top with fresh cilantro for a vibrant southwestern kick.
• Herb-Infused Veggie Alternative: Use vegetable broth, replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms, add thyme and rosemary for an earthy vegetarian version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Seafood Coastal Edition: Swap chicken for seared shrimp or white fish, use white wine instead of broth, and finish with fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley for a lighter, ocean-inspired dish.

Why One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice Saves the Day

• Streamline Cooking: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in just one skillet, minimizing cleanup and saving precious time in the kitchen.
• Luxurious Creamy Texture: Experience a velvety, rich sauce that perfectly coats tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, creating a mouthwatering comfort food experience.
• Flavor-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Savor the depth of toasted rice, caramelized chicken, and melted Parmesan cheese that combine to create an incredibly satisfying and aromatic dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Parmesan Rice Bake

• Chicken Fillets: Tender, boneless meat that provides the main protein source and absorbs flavors beautifully.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious dairy product that creates a smooth, velvety sauce base.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that builds depth and complexity in the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Rice: Starchy grain that absorbs flavors and creates a hearty, filling foundation.

• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and adds savory depth.
• Olive Oil: High-quality cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.

Cook One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice with Ease

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper over chicken fillets, ensuring even coverage.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
• Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides
• Remove chicken and set aside on a plate

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• Add finely chopped onion to the same skillet
• Toss in minced garlic
• Sauté until onions become translucent and mixture becomes fragrant

Step 4: Toast the Rice

• Pour rice into the skillet
• Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes
• Ensure rice is evenly toasted and absorbs the aromatic flavors

Step 5: Create Creamy Base

• Pour chicken broth into the skillet
• Add heavy cream
• Stir ingredients thoroughly
• Bring mixture to a gentle simmer

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

• Return chicken fillets to the skillet
• Cover tightly with a lid
• Reduce heat to low
• Let simmer for 20-25 minutes
• Cook until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

• Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish
• Stir until cheese melts into the creamy rice
• Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper
• Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one-pan meal

Tips for Creamy, Savory Chicken and Rice

• Perfectly Brown Chicken: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Rice Toasting Technique: Gently toast the rice in the skillet to release nutty aromas and prevent it from becoming mushy during cooking.
• Liquid Ratio Matters: Use precise measurements of chicken broth and cream to achieve the ideal creamy consistency without making the rice too wet or dry.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Maintain a gentle simmer with the lid on to allow the rice to cook evenly and the chicken to become tender without burning.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Add Parmesan cheese off the heat and stir quickly to create a smooth, creamy texture that coats every grain of rice and piece of chicken.

Best Way to Store Chicken & Rice Leftovers

• Storing Leftovers: Transfer the chicken and rice to an airtight container, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. The dish will stay delicious for 3-4 days when properly stored.
• Reheating Options: Microwave Method: Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a tablespoon of chicken broth or water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Oven Method: Preheat to 350°F, spread the chicken and rice in a baking dish, cover with foil to lock in moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Delight Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Delight brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal cleanup. Simple ingredients combine in a single skillet, creating a hearty meal that delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup (240 ml) long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken fillets with salt and pepper, ensuring even seasoning across both sides of the meat.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a hot cooking surface for perfect browning.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the skillet, cooking until each side develops a rich, golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Transfer browned chicken to a temporary plate, keeping it nearby for later reintegration.
5. In the same skillet, introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and the aromatics release their fragrant essence.
6. Sprinkle rice into the skillet, continuously stirring for 2-3 minutes to toast the grains and enhance their nutty flavor profile.
7. Slowly pour chicken broth (236 milliliters or 8 fluid ounces) and heavy cream (120 milliliters or 4 fluid ounces) into the skillet, gently stirring to create a harmonious liquid base.
8. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, creating a smooth, integrated cooking environment.
9. Carefully return the previously seared chicken fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy rice mixture.
10. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid, reducing heat to low and allowing the dish to simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken reaches complete doneness.
11. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese (approximately 60 grams or ) over the dish, stirring until the cheese melts completely and integrates with the creamy rice.
12. Perform a final seasoning adjustment, adding salt and pepper to elevate the overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of equal thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Oil Temperature: Heat olive oil until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke, creating the perfect golden-brown crust on chicken without burning.
• Rice Toasting Technique: Gently toast rice before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping, releasing delicious aromatic compounds.
• Liquid Ratio Matters: Maintain the precise chicken broth and cream proportions to achieve creamy, perfectly cooked rice with a luxurious consistency.
• One-Pan Convenience: Use the same skillet for every cooking stage, capturing layered flavors and minimizing cleanup time.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Add Parmesan off direct heat and stir gently to prevent separation, creating a smooth, silky sauce that coats every grain of rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg