The Perfect One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Succulent one-pan creamy parmesan chicken promises a magical dinner solution that eliminates multiple cooking dishes.

Weeknight warriors rejoice with this streamlined culinary strategy.

Lean protein meets comforting rice in a harmonious blend of flavors.

Cheese enthusiasts will appreciate the rich parmesan notes dancing across each tender bite.

Simple ingredients combine effortlessly, creating a meal that feels simultaneously elegant and approachable.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks can master this recipe with minimal effort.

Store Parmesan Chicken Rice One-Pan Style

• Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled meal to freezer-safe containers, where it can be stored for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain the creamy consistency of the dish.

Plates That Go with Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Elevate Flavor Combinations: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the creamy Parmesan chicken, cutting through its richness with bright, zesty notes.
• Refreshing Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy texture and add a peppery, fresh contrast.
• Wine-Friendly Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak undertones to enhance the dish's creamy Parmesan sauce and delicate chicken flavors.
• Herbal Accent Boost: Serve with roasted asparagus spears drizzled with garlic olive oil to introduce a green vegetable element that matches the dish's herbal undertones.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice All in One Pan

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice and use gluten-free chicken broth for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles, and use heavy cream alternatives like coconut cream for reduced carbohydrate intake.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast, and use dairy-free cream alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream for a plant-based approach.
• Herb Variation: Swap thyme with rosemary or oregano, and experiment with different dried herb combinations to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the recipe's core technique.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice or basmati rice. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as different rice varieties may require slightly different liquid ratios and cooking durations.

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

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy and tender.

• Can I prepare this dish with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great! They tend to be more forgiving and stay moist. Just adjust cooking time slightly and ensure they reach the same internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

One-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Perks

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Solve dinner dilemmas with this effortless one-pan meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering dish in under 45 minutes.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Eliminate multiple dish washing by cooking everything in a single skillet, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious post-dinner cleaning time.
• Customizable Family Crowd-Pleaser: Adapt the recipe easily by swapping chicken with turkey or adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to suit different taste preferences and nutrition needs.
• Restaurant-Quality Comfort at Home: Achieve a creamy, flavorful meal with professional-level taste using simple pantry staples and basic cooking techniques that make anyone feel like a skilled chef.

One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main dish, best when boneless and skinless for even cooking.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, savory flavor and helps create a creamy texture.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor for rice cooking.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle richness.

• Garlic, Onion: Provide foundational savory base and aromatic background.
• Dried Thyme, Paprika: Brings warmth and subtle complexity to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herbal note.

• Long-Grain Rice: Serves as the hearty base, absorbs flavors well and provides satisfying texture.

One-Pan Chicken and Rice Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Grab a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat.

Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika, ensuring each piece gets a generous coating of delicious seasonings.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet.

Let each side turn a gorgeous golden brown, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side.

Once beautifully seared, remove chicken and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

• Minced garlic
• Chopped onions

Sauté until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance and vegetables become soft and translucent.

Step 4: Create Creamy Rice Base

• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, creating a luxurious cooking environment for your rice.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken and Rice

Return the seared chicken to the skillet.

Cover and reduce heat to low.

Let everything cook together for 20-25 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken is perfectly cooked through.

Step 6: Melt in Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dish.

Stir gently to help the cheese melt into a creamy, dreamy sauce that coats every grain of rice and chicken piece.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Flair

Chop fresh parsley and scatter it over the top.

Serve immediately and enjoy your one-pan culinary masterpiece.

Chicken and Rice With One-Pan Cooking Insights

• Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness for even cooking and better presentation.
• Adjust heavy cream amount to make sauce thicker or lighter based on personal preference without compromising flavor.
• Use fresh thyme and paprika for more vibrant taste; avoid over-salting by tasting sauce before final seasoning.
• Rinse rice beforehand to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains in the final dish.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for smoother melting and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.

Clean One-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Cheesy, hearty goodness mingles with tender chicken, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains and Liquid Base:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating an even heat surface for cooking.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring each piece is evenly covered with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
3. Carefully sear chicken until a rich golden-brown crust develops, approximately 4-5 minutes per side, creating a flavorful exterior seal.
4. Transfer chicken to a temporary plate, preserving the crispy exterior.
5. Utilize the same skillet to sauté minced garlic and diced onions, releasing their fragrant essential oils and developing a deep flavor base.
6. Introduce uncooked rice into the skillet, followed by rich chicken broth and velvety heavy cream, stirring to create a harmonious mixture.
7. Gently nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the liquid-rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.
8. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the dish to simmer quietly for 20-25 minutes, enabling the rice to absorb liquid and the chicken to cook thoroughly.
9. Once cooking is complete, sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a luxurious, creamy sauce.
10. Finish by scattering fresh parsley across the surface, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the rich dish.

Notes

• Make sure chicken is evenly seasoned by patting it dry before adding spices for better browning and flavor absorption.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe cooking without overcooking.
• Choose long-grain white rice for best texture and consistent absorption of liquid during cooking.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or chicken stock mixed with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg