If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free meal, the One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This dish perfectly marries tender chicken, velvety creamy sauce, and fluffy rice, all coming together in one pan for an effortlessly delicious dinner. Every bite bursts with cheesy goodness and subtle herb notes, making it a family favorite that’s quick enough for busy weeknights but special enough to savor any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the magic lineup of ingredients that makes this one-pan wonder both simple and delightful. Each item plays a crucial role in balancing flavors, textures, and colors, ensuring every mouthful feels like a warm hug.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a perfect base to sauté onions and chicken without overpowering flavors.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the overall dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory punch.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Absorbs all the liquid, becoming fluffy and tender.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Keeps the rice moist and adds a rich, savory undertone.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the dish its luscious, creamy texture.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, delivering sharp, nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers subtle herbal brightness.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Enhances freshness and color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balance.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a vibrant garnish and fresh aroma.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step softens the onion and releases its natural sweetness, laying a flavorful foundation. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, awakening your kitchen with that irresistible garlicky scent.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Next, add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper, then cook until they develop a golden-brown crust on all sides—this should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Browning the chicken creates a delightful texture and boosts the flavor through caramelization, making every bite crave-worthy.
Step 3: Combine Rice with Chicken and Onions
Once the chicken is browned, stir in the uncooked long-grain rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed among the chicken and sautéed onions. This ensures each grain will soak up the flavorful cooking liquid and creamy sauce later on.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Herbs
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, creating the luscious base of the dish. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and dried parsley, and stir everything together so the herbs evenly infuse the liquid. These herbs lighten the richness of the cream, lending a nice balance in flavor.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Patience here rewards you with rice cooked to perfection, soaked in creamy goodness.
Step 6: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. It will melt smoothly into the sauce, enriching the texture and giving the dish that unmistakable savory and nutty flavor that Parmesan is famous for.
Step 7: Season to Taste
Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. This final touch ensures the flavors are perfectly balanced to your liking.
Step 8: Garnish Before Serving
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that brightens the whole dish.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic choice that livens up this creamy dish with a burst of green and freshness. If you want a little extra zing, try lemon zest or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to brighten and add subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines on its own, but if you want to add some greens, a simple side salad with vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli complements perfectly. The crisp texture and fresh flavors contrast beautifully with the creamy richness of the chicken and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner, serve this dish straight from the skillet, allowing everyone to help themselves. If you’re entertaining, plate it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a drizzle of good olive oil. Adding a few toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top can also introduce a delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature first to maintain the creaminess.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that cream-based dishes may change texture slightly after freezing, but reheating gently will bring back much of the original creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and avoid dryness. Stir often to heat evenly and revive that silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid compared to white rice, so it’s best to adjust accordingly if substituting. You may need to simmer longer and add extra broth to ensure it cooks through.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Absolutely! The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken make it very approachable. You can always customize the herbs or leave out any ingredients that might be less preferred.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here and add extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through before adding the rice and liquids.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For dairy-free options, coconut milk or cashew cream can work, though they’ll change the flavor profile.
Do I have to use Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan is key to the signature flavor of this dish, but you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different but still delicious taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about the One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe, combining ease and indulgence in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a quiet night in, this recipe promises a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm embrace. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to comfort dish!
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One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is a comforting and delicious meal that combines tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and fluffy rice in a single skillet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features simple ingredients cooked together to create a rich and flavorful dish with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauté
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat and Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the Rice: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, ensuring it is evenly combined with the chicken and sautéed onions.
- Combine Liquids and Herbs: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add dried thyme and dried parsley, stirring everything together to combine well.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and creates a creamy texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add additional salt and pepper as needed for your preferred flavor balance.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the dish to rest covered off heat for a few minutes before serving.
- Add vegetables like peas or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
- Ensure the rice is evenly distributed for even cooking and flavor infusion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
