If you’re looking for a dish that knocks comfort food out of the park while saving you time (and dishes!), One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is about to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation. Imagine tender, golden-seared chicken nestled in creamy, cheesy rice, all made in one skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Savory, nourishing, and oh-so-satisfying, this easy recipe makes a fantastic weeknight meal that tastes like it came from your favorite café. Whether you’re feeding the family or simply treating yourself, the melding of Parmesan, garlic, and luscious cream is pure joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather round—the magic of One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice lies in its straightforward, rockstar ingredients. Each one brings something special, whether it’s flavor, texture, or that irresistible aroma you’ll smell wafting from the kitchen. This is a dish where every item on the list truly earns its spot!

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the heart of this recipe, turning juicy and flavorful as they cook in the creamy sauce.
Olive oil: Helps you achieve the perfect golden sear on your chicken – flavor and color in one swoop.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and deep savory base to the entire skillet.
Garlic: The aromatic hero that infuses the rice with an unbeatable bite and fragrance.
Long-grain white rice: Soaks up all the delicious sauce, resulting in tender, creamy grains instead of a mushy mess.
Chicken broth: Amplifies the flavor of the dish while ensuring the rice cooks up tender and delicious.
Heavy cream: Brings all the decadence you want, making the sauce utterly luscious and rich.
Salt and black pepper: Basic, yes—but essential for bringing out all those amazing flavors.
Italian seasoning: Lends a subtle herby kick that pairs perfectly with Parmesan and chicken.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The star that transforms everything into pure, cheesy luxury.
Chopped parsley: A pop of fresh color and a hint of brightness right before serving.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Sprinkle your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy—generous seasoning means every bite is bursting with flavor. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken breasts. Sear them for 3 to 4 minutes per side, just until golden but not cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate; this step locks in the juices and sets you up for the most succulent results.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

With the chicken juices flavoring your skillet, toss in the diced onion. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and uncooked rice, and stir well. Toasting the rice and garlic for just a minute infuses the grains with deep, savory aromas, a tiny chef’s trick that pays off big time later!

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom with your spoon (flavor alert!). The broth builds the base, and the cream creates that signature silky consistency. Give everything a good stir to combine, smoothing out the cream and making sure the rice is distributed evenly.

Step 4: Nestle and Cook

Gently return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them right on top of the rice mixture. Cover with a well-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let everything gently simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked perfectly through. This is when the cozy magic happens: the chicken finishes cooking, and the rice soaks up all the creamy, savory goodness.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan Creaminess

Take off the lid and sprinkle in your grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it in gently, letting it melt completely into the rice and sauce, turning everything irresistibly creamy and cheesy. Give the whole dish a taste to adjust seasoning if you like, and then—just before serving—scatter on plenty of chopped parsley. Now you’re ready to bask in the deliciousness you just created!

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is a classic finish—bright, herbal, and just what this creamy skillet needs to look as good as it tastes. If you want to elevate things further, a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds layers of flavor and a restaurant-worthy flourish.

Side Dishes

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice pairs so well with something light and green: think a crisp arugula salad, steamed asparagus, or simple sautéed spinach. Garlic bread or warm rolls are also wonderful for soaking up the extra creamy sauce—no drop left behind!

Creative Ways to Present

For casual family dinners, simply bring the skillet to the table and serve straight from the pan (it’s rustic and inviting!). If entertaining, plate each chicken breast atop a fluffy mound of the Parmesan rice, and drizzle with a little extra sauce. A sprinkle of parsley or microgreens and a twist of fresh cracked pepper make it look effortlessly elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will keep well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for more, you’ll find the flavors have melded deliciously!

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though note that the cream sauce and rice may change texture a little once thawed. For best results, portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to bring the sauce back to its original creamy glory. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more flavor and stay juicy, so feel free to swap them in—just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.

What kind of Parmesan cheese works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and delivers the most flavor, but pre-grated will do the trick if that’s what you have. Avoid the shelf-stable, powdery stuff for the best results.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply use certified gluten-free chicken broth and Parmesan cheese and double-check any seasoning blends to ensure they’re gluten-free. Everything else is naturally safe for gluten-free eaters!

Can I prep this meal ahead of time?

You sure can! You can season and sear the chicken, chop the aromatics, and even measure out the rice and broth the night before. When ready to cook, just pick up at sautéing the onion for a lightning-quick meal.

Is it okay to use cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Definitely. Stir shredded cooked chicken in toward the end (along with the Parmesan) just to warm it through. This is a great way to use up leftovers or make the dish even faster!

Final Thoughts

Every time you whip up One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice, you’re serving up pure comfort in a skillet—no special skills or fancy equipment required. Try it soon and see just how easy (and crowd-pleasing) dinner can be!

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and creamy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts, savory Parmesan cheese, and fluffy white rice cooked in a rich, flavorful broth.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Rice:

1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear chicken until golden brown, then set aside.
Cook the Aromatics: In the same pan, cook onion until softened, then add garlic and rice.
Add Liquid: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bring to a simmer.
Cook: Nestle chicken back into the pan, cover, and cook until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Finish: Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy, garnish with parsley, and serve.