Simple One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe That Wows

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice that promises a hassle-free dinner solution.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the rich, velvety sauce coating tender chicken and fluffy rice.

Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this foolproof recipe.

Minimal effort, maximum flavor, you’ll want to add this dish to your regular rotation.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice – Reasons To Savor

• Simplify Cooking: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in a single skillet, minimizing kitchen cleanup and reducing dishwashing hassle.
• Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Transform ordinary chicken and rice into a restaurant-quality dish with rich, creamy Parmesan sauce and golden-brown chicken.
• Quick and Nutritious Meal: Whip up a protein-packed dinner in under an hour, perfect for busy families seeking delicious and wholesome food.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Adapt the recipe with different herbs or add vegetables for a customizable one-pan wonder that satisfies everyone's taste buds.

Ingredient Guide For Creamy One-Pan Dinner

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provide depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the chicken and rice.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sear the chicken and prevent sticking.
• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Create a rich, creamy sauce that coats the rice and chicken.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish.

• Rice: Serves as the base of the one-pan meal, absorbing the flavorful liquid and complementing the chicken.

How To Make One-Pan Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Cook chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.

• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir ingredients together to combine and create a creamy base.

Step 4: Return Chicken to Skillet

Gently place seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, slightly nestling them into the liquid.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook

Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low.

Simmer for 18-22 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish.

Stir until cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, creamy sauce.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Serve the one-pan meal hot directly from the skillet.

Chicken And Rice – Winning Kitchen Tips

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
• Add extra chicken broth if rice seems too dry during cooking, maintaining a creamy consistency without becoming mushy.
• Remove skillet from heat when stirring Parmesan to prevent cheese from separating or becoming grainy.
• Swap Italian seasoning with fresh thyme or rosemary for a more vibrant, aromatic profile that elevates the dish's taste.
• Use reduced-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt levels to control overall sodium content without compromising flavor.

Fun Variations For Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Mediterranean Herb Upgrade: Swap Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend and add diced sun-dried tomatoes for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower and use bone broth for extra protein, perfect for keto dieters.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with cilantro for a zesty southwestern variation.

Plating Tips For A Cozy Chicken Meal

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve this one-pan wonder with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
• Comfort Classic Companion: Pair the creamy chicken and rice with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to add extra nutrition and color to the plate.
• Weekend Entertaining Twist: Plate this dish in individual cast-iron skillets for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation that will impress dinner guests with minimal extra effort.
• Side Dish Enhancer: Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle additional fresh parsley on top just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a fresh finishing touch.

Keeping Chicken & Rice Casserole Fresh

• Seal leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep chicken and rice together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with date and contents. Freeze for maximum 2 months to preserve quality.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice requires more liquid and takes longer to cook, so increase chicken broth by 1/2 cup and extend simmering time to 35-40 minutes.

• What if my chicken breasts are thick?

Butterfly or pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking. This helps prevent dry or undercooked sections and promotes even heat distribution.

• Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternative. These replacements maintain the creamy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.

One-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice delivers comfort in a single skillet with minimal cleanup. Hearty ingredients meld together, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains and Liquid:

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

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium temperature, preparing seasoned chicken with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear chicken pieces until achieving a rich golden exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer protein to a temporary plate.
3. In the identical skillet, quickly toast minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
4. Pour rice, chicken broth, and cream into the pan, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
5. Gently position seared chicken pieces atop the rice mixture, ensuring even distribution.
6. Reduce heat to low, securely cover skillet, and allow contents to simmer for 18-22 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Remove lid and fold grated Parmesan cheese into the dish, stirring until sauce transforms into a luxurious, smooth consistency.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for vibrant color and enhanced flavor profile.
9. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and creamy texture.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Use a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet to distribute heat evenly and prevent rice from sticking or burning.
• Swap heavy cream with lower-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter version of the dish.
• Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers directly into the rice mixture to boost nutritional value and create a complete one-pan meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg