One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe

If cozy comfort food makes your heart flutter, you absolutely need to try One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice. This crowd-pleasing dinner wraps juicy chicken, tender rice, and a dreamy Parmesan cheese sauce all in a single pan, making both cooking and cleanup a total breeze. With every forkful, you’ll savor the warm embrace of garlic, onion, Italian herbs, and rich creaminess. It’s the kind of recipe that turns even an ordinary weeknight into something special, and once you taste it, you’ll want it on repeat!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is refreshingly simple—you probably have most of them at home already! Each item plays a unique role in building deep flavor, velvety texture, or inviting color, so don’t skip or skimp. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few tips to make sure each ingredient shines:

• Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces for perfectly tender bites in every spoonful.
• Olive oil: This creates a luscious base for browning your chicken and sautéing the aromatics.
• Long-grain white rice: Go for classic long-grain or try jasmine or basmati for added fragrance and an extra fluffy finish.
• Chicken broth: Use a good-quality broth since it soaks into the rice, infusing savory depth throughout the dish.
• Heavy cream: The secret to that irresistible creamy texture! Swap for half-and-half if you want it a touch lighter.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For rich, salty, nutty flavor—freshly grated cheese melts best.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic delivers bold aroma and depth (never be shy here!).
• Onion: Finely diced onion melts into the base for savory sweetness.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the whole pan with subtle herb flavors.
• Salt: To season the chicken and bring out every ingredient’s flavor.
• Black pepper: Adds just a spark of warmth and earthiness.
• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped herbs brings a pop of color and fresh flavor at the very end.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms up, take your chicken pieces and toss them in a bowl with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This simple seasoning locks in flavor right from the start! Once the oil shimmers, lay your chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them brown undisturbed for a few minutes on each side until cooked through and beautifully golden. When finished, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it handy for later.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Don’t clean that pan! Those tasty brown bits are flavor gold. Throw in your diced onion and minced garlic and stir them around in the remaining oil. As they cook, the aroma will fill your kitchen with pure joy. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until the onions turn translucent and the garlic is fragrant, but not burnt.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Now, stir the uncooked rice directly into the onion and garlic mixture. Letting the rice toast gently in the pan for about a minute will help it soak up every last drop of flavor and give it a nutty undertone, building a delicious foundation for the One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice.

Step 4: Pour in the Liquids

Pour in your chicken broth and heavy cream, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate every bit of the savory fond that’s developed. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. The magic is about to happen!

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover your pan, and let everything simmer together for about 18-20 minutes. Give it a gentle stir now and then to prevent sticking and to help the rice cook evenly. In this time, the rice will become perfectly tender and soak up all the creamy liquid.

Step 6: Finish with Chicken and Cheese

When the rice is soft and most of the liquid is absorbed, add back your cooked chicken. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, turning it creamy and packed with cheesy goodness. That’s when One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice really comes together—it’s almost irresistible!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, give your masterpiece a generous shower of fresh chopped parsley. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also adds a bright, herby note to cut through the richness. Now, grab your forks—dinner is served!

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

The final flourish makes all the difference. Sprinkle plenty of chopped fresh parsley over the finished dish and, if you’re feeling fancy, add a few extra shavings of Parmesan or a crack of black pepper on top. For a hint of zest, add a squeeze of lemon juice—just a few drops will lighten up the rich, creamy flavor without overpowering the rest of the dish.

Side Dishes

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice truly speaks for itself, but simple sides give the meal a well-rounded appeal. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette brings freshness, while steamed broccoli or garlicky green beans make wonderful, colorful companions. If you like, serve with warm crusty bread to soak up every last drop of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual family dinners, serve this straight from the skillet—there’s something irresistible about a bubbling, golden pan in the center of the table. For entertaining, spoon individual portions into shallow bowls and top with a sprig of fresh parsley for a touch of elegance. Or, try serving in small ramekins as part of a cozy buffet at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice holds up beautifully in the fridge. Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld as it sits, making the next-day bites just as delicious (if not more so!) as the first serving.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze a batch, let the dish cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the creamy sauce may separate ever so slightly after thawing, but a gentle reheat will bring it right back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, place your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir regularly until heated through. If using the microwave, cover and heat in increments, stirring in between for even warmth and creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Swap in long-grain brown rice, but keep in mind you’ll need to increase the cooking time and add a bit more broth or liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more moisture.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, with a few adjustments! Replace the heavy cream with a canned non-dairy alternative (like full-fat coconut milk) and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute to keep the sauce creamy and flavorful.

Can I add vegetables to One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice?

Definitely! Stir in baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, or even peas right before you cover and simmer the rice, letting the veggies cook and soften together with everything else.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking or burning?

Be sure to gently stir occasionally during simmering, keep the heat low once the liquids are added, and use a heavy-bottomed skillet. If your pan has hot spots, adding a splash of liquid and reducing the heat helps prevent sticking.

What can I use instead of chicken breasts?

Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richer flavor—or try turkey or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a handy shortcut!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice! This dish is pure comfort, with a creamy, cheesy texture and big flavor in every bite—all done with minimal fuss and cleanup. Give it a try on your next busy weeknight, or treat yourself when you want something truly satisfying. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious spoonful!

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