Effortless One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice that promises to simplify your dinner routine.

Cheesy goodness and tender chicken create a harmonious blend of flavors in a single skillet.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together with minimal cleanup.

Pantry staples merge into a creamy, satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug.

Protein and carbs dance together in a symphony of rich, savory notes.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those busy evenings when time is short but hunger is high.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice in One Easy Pan

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Prepare a delicious dinner in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying home-cooked meal.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: Enjoy a creamy, cheesy dish that combines tender chicken with perfectly seasoned rice for maximum taste satisfaction.
• Versatile Protein Powerhouse: Easily swap chicken thighs or breasts to suit your preference, making this recipe adaptable to different dietary needs and tastes.

Parmesan Chicken Rice Skillet (One-Pan) Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish, best when boneless and skinless.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Flavor enhancers that create a delicious and aromatic coating for the chicken, balanced and complementary spices.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that adds depth and sweetness to the dish, fresh and finely diced for best results.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps with cooking and browning, use good quality for best taste.

• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and adds savory flavor to the rice, low-sodium preferred for better control of salt content.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Transforms the dish into a rich and luxurious meal, freshly grated Parmesan recommended.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herbal note, chopped just before serving.

Parmesan Chicken & Rice One-Pan Method

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Grab your chicken pieces and coat them generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

Make sure each piece is well-covered for maximum flavor punch.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan.

Let it sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

In the same skillet, melt butter until it’s bubbling.

Add diced onions and cook them until they turn soft and translucent.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for about 30 seconds, releasing its amazing aroma.

Step 4: Rice Time

Introduce rice to the skillet, stirring it thoroughly to absorb all the delicious existing flavors.

Pour chicken broth into the pan and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

Nestle the seared chicken pieces right on top of the rice.

Cover the skillet and let everything simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.

Wait until the rice becomes tender and the chicken is perfectly cooked through.

Step 6: Create Creamy Magic

Remove the chicken momentarily.

Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the rice.

Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, smooth sauce.

Step 7: Final Assembly

Return the chicken to the skillet, generously spooning the creamy rice over the top.

Let everything mingle and get acquainted with each other’s flavors.

Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Quick Tips for One-Pan Chicken and Rice

• Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
• Rinse rice beforehand to remove excess starch, creating fluffy grains that separate beautifully and prevent clumping.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-packaged for a richer, more authentic flavor that melts smoothly into the sauce.
• Swap chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts or try turkey for a leaner protein alternative without compromising taste.
• Use gluten-free chicken broth and verify Parmesan cheese's gluten-free status to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Reheating Parmesan Chicken Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Let the dish cool completely before transferring to the refrigerator to preserve texture and flavor.
• Enjoy refrigerated chicken and rice within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality.
• Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture, stirring occasionally until heated through.

What to Serve With Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy parmesan sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a side of honey-glazed carrots, brussels sprouts, and asparagus to add vibrant color and nutritional balance to the one-pan meal.
• Match with Light Citrus Salad: Create a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which provides a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy, savory chicken and rice dish.
• Enhance with Crusty Garlic Bread: Bake a quick garlic bread to soak up the delicious parmesan sauce and add a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the soft, creamy rice.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Simple Variations

• Gluten-Free Chicken & Quinoa: Replace rice with quinoa for a gluten-free alternative that adds extra protein and nutty flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the creamy, savory essence of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free version that's equally rich and satisfying.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Version: Add dried oregano, thyme, and a squeeze of lemon juice to transform the dish with bright, fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavors and aromatics.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work great in this recipe. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Is it okay to substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as alternatives. These will create a slightly lighter sauce but still maintain good creaminess.

• How can I make this dish more flavorful?

Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary when seasoning the chicken. You can also use chicken stock instead of broth for a richer flavor profile.

• What rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, but you can also use basmati or jasmine rice. Just adjust liquid amounts slightly depending on the rice type to ensure perfect texture.

Wholesome One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

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

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Description

Savory one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens to your dinner table. Cheesy, herbed chicken nestles perfectly with fluffy rice, creating a soul-warming meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains and Liquid:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Flavoring and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by generously coating chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Activate a large skillet over medium heat, introducing olive oil to create a sizzling cooking surface that will develop a rich golden crust on the chicken.
3. Carefully position the seasoned chicken into the hot pan, allowing each side to caramelize for 4-5 minutes, creating a beautiful exterior that locks in moisture.
4. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a temporary resting plate, preserving its developing flavors.
5. In the same fragrant pan, introduce diced onions and allow them to become translucent, releasing their sweet undertones.
6. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to awaken its aromatic essence without burning.
7. Pour uncooked rice into the skillet, creating a base layer that will absorb the rich cooking liquids and develop a creamy texture.
8. Stream in chicken broth and heavy cream, gently mixing to create a harmonious cooking liquid that will envelop the rice and chicken.
9. Carefully nestle the seared chicken back into the rice mixture, ensuring each piece is partially submerged.
10. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the ingredients to simmer and meld together, transforming the rice to tender perfection and completing the chicken’s cooking process.
11. Once the rice reaches a soft consistency and chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove the protein from the pan.
12. Fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the rice transforms into a luxuriously creamy accompaniment.
13. Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
14. Slice the chicken into elegant medallions and arrange atop the decadent rice, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer more tender, juicy meat that won’t dry out easily during cooking.
• Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier whole grain alternative with added nutritional benefits.
• Create a gluten-free version by ensuring your chicken broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers directly into the rice mixture for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 724
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg