Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe: Cozy One-Pan Magic

Weeknight dinners demand a magical one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice solution that simplifies cooking without compromising flavor.

Crispy chicken pieces nestled in a rich, velvety sauce create comfort on a plate.

Minimal dishes and maximum satisfaction describe this delightful meal perfectly.

You appreciate streamlined recipes that deliver restaurant-quality results in under an hour.

Mediterranean herbs and fragrant rice complement the tender chicken’s golden exterior.

Each forkful promises a delectable blend of textures and savory notes.

Curious about a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug?

Why Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Feels Luxurious

• Comfort Food Champion: Create a creamy, satisfying meal that delivers rich, cheesy goodness in every single bite.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Perfect for home cooks who want a foolproof recipe that looks and tastes like a professional chef prepared it.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Transform ordinary chicken and rice into an extraordinary meal that pleases both adults and kids with its irresistible creamy texture and cheesy warmth.

Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy meat perfect for a hearty meal.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds rich flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Smooth and luxurious dairy product for creamy texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor-building ingredients with wonderful depth.

• White Rice: Fluffy and classic grain for a comforting base.
• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that adds depth and moisture.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright color and light flavor.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil for sautéing and browning.

Cooking Directions for Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cuts

Select chicken breasts and generously season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.

Step 2: Brown Chicken Pieces

Place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet.

Cook each side until golden brown and crispy, creating a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Once perfectly seared, transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

• Finely chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté these aromatics until they become soft, translucent, and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 4: Toast Rice Grains

Add uncooked rice to the skillet.

Stir continuously and toast the grains for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to develop a nutty aroma and light golden color.

Step 5: Create Creamy Liquid

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Gently stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Rice

Return browned chicken breasts to the skillet.

Cover tightly with a lid and reduce heat to low.

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

Step 7: Finish with Cheese

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish.

Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the one-pan meal to serving plates.

Scatter freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips to Perfect Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Lightly toast rice before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavor and prevent mushy consistency by stirring constantly during toasting.
• Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent curdling and create smoother sauce when mixing with hot broth.
• Add Parmesan gradually and off direct heat to prevent separation, creating silky and rich sauce without graininess.
• Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for easy cleaning and preventing rice from sticking to the bottom during cooking.

How to Store and Reheat Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerated chicken and rice will stay delicious for 3-4 days. Keep the dish whole or separate components before storing.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent rice from becoming mushy.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the chicken and make the rice tough. Use gentle, slow reheating methods for the best texture and flavor.

What Goes Great with Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Crisp White Wine Complement: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the dish's rich creaminess and balance its savory parmesan notes.
• Fresh Green Salad Sidekick: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery contrast that refreshes the palate between creamy bites.
• Roasted Vegetable Supporter: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or broccoli with garlic and olive oil to add nutritious green vegetables that complement the chicken's golden texture.
• Tangy Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious parmesan sauce and provide a delightful textural counterpoint to the creamy rice.

Flavor Ideas for Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free version that remains rich and satisfying.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Style: Add dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary to enhance the chicken's flavor, creating a Mediterranean-inspired variation with robust herbal notes.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder to transform the dish into a zesty southwestern-inspired meal with a kick of heat.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. Add an extra 1/2 cup of broth and increase cooking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure the rice becomes tender.

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

Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can also use chicken thighs. Just ensure they are similar in thickness for even cooking.

• How can I prevent the rice from sticking to the skillet?

Use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan. Stir occasionally during cooking and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pan to prevent sticking.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Comforting one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice delivers Italian-inspired magic to dinner tables with minimal cleanup. Rich flavors mingle effortlessly, offering cooks a simple yet elegant meal packed with cheesy goodness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains and Liquid Base:

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

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, ensuring even seasoning across the entire surface.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking environment.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Transfer beautifully browned chicken to a temporary plate, keeping it warm and ready for later incorporation.
5. In the same skillet with residual oil and flavorful browned bits, introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic.
6. Sauté aromatics until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
7. Add uncooked rice directly into the skillet, stirring frequently to toast the grains and develop a nutty, complex flavor profile.
8. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, gently stirring to combine and create a smooth, unified liquid base.
9. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, creating the perfect cooking environment for rice and chicken.
10. Carefully nestle the previously seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, ensuring they are partially submerged in the creamy liquid.
11. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, reducing heat to low for even, gentle cooking.
12. Simmer the dish for 20-25 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become tender while chicken cooks thoroughly.
13. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the surface, stirring until completely melted and integrated into a luxurious, creamy sauce.
14. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
15. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish before serving hot directly from the skillet.

Notes

• Opt for thin chicken breasts to ensure even, quick cooking and prevent dryness.
• Toast rice carefully to enhance nutty flavors without burning, watching heat closely.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum melting and rich, authentic taste.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version while maintaining creamy texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 47 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg