The Creamiest One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe Ever

Crafting a delightful one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice dish promises culinary magic for busy home cooks.

Comfort meets convenience in this streamlined meal that comes together effortlessly.

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Creamy parmesan sauce coats tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Pantry staples transform into something extraordinary with just a few simple techniques.

Minimal ingredients, maximum satisfaction – you’ll be amazed how quickly this crowd-pleasing dinner takes shape.

Grab your skillet and get ready to become the kitchen hero your family adores.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice That Wins Hearts

• Streamline Kitchen Magic: Craft a delicious meal using just one pan, minimizing cleanup and saving precious time for family moments.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for turkey or adding vegetables like peas or spinach to boost nutrition and personalize flavors.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn professional-style sautéing and simmering skills that transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner without complicated steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Create a creamy, cheesy dish that satisfies both picky eaters and food enthusiasts with its rich, comforting blend of tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.

Ingredients to Gather for One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Chicken: Tender cubed meat that forms the protein base of this one-pan dish.

• Italian Seasoning, Black Pepper, Salt: Blend of herbs and spices that enhances the chicken's flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that provide depth and aromatic base to the dish.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Liquids that create the creamy texture and rich flavor of the dish.

• Rice: Starchy grain that absorbs flavors and provides a hearty foundation for the meal.

• Butter, Parmesan Cheese, Parsley: Rich dairy elements and fresh herb that add creaminess and bright finish to the dish.

Step-by-Step One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter completely, creating a golden base for cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Add diced onions to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

• Italian seasoning
• Black pepper
• Salt

Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken turns golden brown on all sides and develops a delicious exterior.

Step 4: Infuse with Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet, stirring continuously for one minute to prevent burning and create a fragrant base.

Step 5: Combine Broth and Rice

Pour chicken broth and rice into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly and create a harmonious blend.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 17-20 minutes until rice becomes tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 7: Create Creamy Finish

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, coating the chicken and rice with a luxurious texture.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Enjoy immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips to Nail One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Swap white rice for brown rice to boost fiber and nutrition content. Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels for health-conscious diners. Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent steaming. Add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers during the simmering stage for increased nutrients and color variety. Lactose-free alternative: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan cheese for those with dietary restrictions.

Flavor Twists on One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Vegetarian Rice Skillet: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth for a plant-based version. Seasoning remains the same, providing similar flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap Italian seasoning with za'atar, add diced bell peppers, and use feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture and rich flavor. Use same cooking technique and seasonings.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese, and add a dash of cumin for a zesty southwestern-style one-pan meal.

Pairing Suggestions for One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to balance the creamy chicken's richness, cutting through the parmesan's bold flavor with its bright, acidic notes.
• Prepare a light mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette, which will provide a zesty contrast to the dish's creamy texture and add refreshing vegetable nutrition.
• Serve garlic-roasted asparagus or brussels sprouts alongside the chicken, creating a savory vegetable component that enhances the main dish's Mediterranean-inspired profile.

Storing One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Safely

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack the chicken and rice in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. 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?

Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. Adjust broth to 2 1/4 cups and extend cooking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure proper rice tenderness.

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

Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

• How can I increase the protein content?

Add extra chicken or include cooked diced ham or shredded rotisserie chicken during the final stages of cooking. This will boost protein without changing the recipe’s core technique.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

One-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice combines comfort and convenience in a single skillet. Home cooks can savor this satisfying meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large onion (finely diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tsps Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it coats the bottom evenly and starts to shimmer.
2. Toss diced onions into the skillet, stirring frequently until they turn translucent and become soft, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Add cubed chicken seasoned with Italian herbs, black pepper, and salt. Sauté while stirring constantly, ensuring each piece develops a golden-brown exterior, about 5 minutes.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, quickly stirring to prevent burning and release its aromatic essence for 60 seconds.
5. Pour chicken broth over the chicken and onion mixture, then sprinkle rice across the skillet. Gently mix to distribute ingredients uniformly.
6. Elevate heat to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to medium-low. Cover the skillet and allow contents to simmer quietly for 18-19 minutes, or until rice absorbs most liquid and becomes tender.
7. Uncover and swirl heavy cream into the skillet, then fold in Parmesan cheese until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
8. Transfer the creamy chicken and rice directly to serving plates, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and herbaceous note.

Notes

• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
• Ensure chicken is cut into uniform cubes for consistent cooking and texture.
• Rinse rice before adding to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels to achieve better browning and crispy exterior.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or peas during the final simmering stage for increased nutrition.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Romano or Asiago for unique flavor profiles.
• If avoiding dairy, use dairy-free milk alternatives and nutritional yeast for creamy texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 660 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg