One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is truly the definition of weeknight dinner magic—tender bites of juicy chicken nestled in a bed of savory, ultra-creamy Parmesan-studded rice, all made in a single skillet. This dish checks every box: it’s comforting, packed with flavor, and easy enough for even the busiest days. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! If you’re looking for a foolproof family favorite, One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice delivers on all fronts.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The short ingredient list makes One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice as practical as it is delicious—every element plays an important role, adding flavor, luscious texture, or a pop of color. Let’s break down exactly what you need and why:

Chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces ensure quick, even cooking and are wonderfully tender in every forkful.
Olive oil: Gives the chicken a golden sear and brings a touch of fruity richness to the base.
Yellow onion: Softened for sweetness and depth, onion forms a delicious aromatic foundation.
Garlic: Minced and lightly sautéed, it infuses the dish with an irresistible, mouthwatering aroma.
Long-grain white rice: Reliable for creamy yet separate grains—perfect for soaking up all that luscious sauce.
Chicken broth: Layers savory flavor into every bite of rice and chicken, tying it all together.
Heavy cream: Adds that essential luxe creaminess and binds the ingredients for ultimate comfort.
Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient, bringing nutty, salty, umami-rich punch when stirred in at the end.
Italian seasoning: Fragrant herbs amplify the flavor profile and give that classic homey taste.
Salt: Elevates the natural flavors—it’s just enough to enhance, not overwhelm.
Black pepper: A little hint of heat and complexity, balancing the creaminess beautifully.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but wonderful for a burst of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add those chicken pieces—the sizzle will tell you dinner’s off to a great start! Let them cook for 4–5 minutes, turning to get some gorgeous golden color. Don’t worry about cooking them through at this stage; just aim for a flavorful sear.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion & Garlic

Add the diced onion straight into the skillet with the chicken, letting it soften for a couple of minutes. Once the onion turns translucent and fragrant, sprinkle in the minced garlic. Give everything a good stir and let the garlic bloom for 30 seconds—trust me, this step amps up the flavor tenfold.

Step 3: Combine the Rice and Liquids

It’s time for the rice! Uncooked long-grain white rice goes in next, along with chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly so everything is evenly distributed. You’ll see a beautiful blend of creamy liquid and vibrant seasonings coming together. Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfectly Creamy

Once boiling, reduce the heat all the way to low and cover your skillet. Let it gently simmer for about 18–20 minutes. This is when the magic happens—the rice turns pillowy-soft, absorbing the rich flavors of broth and cream, while the chicken settles in perfectly tender. Most of the liquid will be absorbed when it’s ready.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Rest

Take your skillet off the heat. Sprinkle in that glorious Parmesan cheese and stir well until everything looks creamy and luxurious. Let it rest, covered, for five minutes—this final step thickens the sauce and melds the flavors beautifully. Finish with a scatter of fresh parsley for a pop of color, and your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way in boosting both appearance and flavor. I love a handful of freshly chopped parsley for a hint of herbaceous brightness, or you can sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for an indulgent finish. If you’re in a zesty mood, a squeeze of lemon right before serving makes the creaminess pop.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some simple roasted vegetables make lovely accompaniments. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, turning your table into a bistro-worthy spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice in individual bowls or deep plates, topped with a swirl of pesto or chili oil for color and kick. You can also spoon it into oven-safe ramekins, scatter extra Parmesan on top, and broil briefly for a golden, cheesy crust. It’s a dish that welcomes creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. This creamy chicken and rice keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to pack lunches or prep ahead, this dish holds beautifully and stays delightfully creamy, too.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice—let it cool thoroughly before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It’s best used within 2 months for the freshest taste and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To revive that creamy texture, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed. Stir occasionally to distribute the moisture, and your leftovers will taste just as rich and satisfying as when first made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! If you want to use brown rice, just be sure to add extra liquid and increase the simmering time. The end result will be a bit nuttier, with a slightly chewier texture, but still delicious.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, you can swap in half-and-half or even whole milk. Just note that the sauce won’t be quite as rich, but you’ll still get that beloved creaminess. A spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt stirred in at the end also works nicely.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is naturally gluten-free as written, provided your chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free. It’s a great option for guests or family members avoiding gluten.

Can I add vegetables to this one-pan meal?

Definitely—this dish is wonderfully flexible. Stir in fresh spinach or frozen peas just before you add the Parmesan for a boost of color and nutrition. Sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli also make fantastic additions.

What’s the best kind of skillet to use?

A large, deep nonstick or stainless steel skillet with a tight-fitting lid works best for One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice, ensuring everything cooks evenly and the rice gets perfectly tender without sticking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl, One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is the answer. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon—your kitchen will smell incredible, and your table will be full of happy faces. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy forkful!

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice recipe is a delicious and easy stovetop meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful Parmesan cheese, and creamy rice in a single skillet. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet. Cook chicken until lightly browned.
Cook Aromatics: Add onion, cook until softened, then add garlic.
Add Rice and Liquid: Stir in rice, broth, cream, seasonings, and bring to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender.
Finish Dish: Stir in Parmesan until creamy, let sit before serving. Garnish with parsley.