One-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

There’s just something about a one-pan meal that makes life in the kitchen feel so much easier. If you’ve ever been hit by that midweek dinner rush, you’ll know the appeal of having fewer dishes to clean up afterward. This creamy Parmesan chicken and rice recipe is a dinner staple in my home, and I’m excited to share it with you. It’s rich, hearty, and filled with flavors that come together in the best way—all in one pan! Plus, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, creamy, cheesy rice dish. Oh, and did I mention it only takes about 30 minutes?

A few years ago, I was searching for a quick and easy dinner to make after a long day, and stumbled upon a version of this recipe. After a little tweaking (because, let’s face it, recipes always seem to be a work in progress), this dish became my go-to for those busy nights. I still remember the first time I made it for friends—everyone thought I’d spent hours slaving away in the kitchen when really, the one-pan magic was at work.

this RECIPE

A little backstory on creamy chicken and rice

Chicken and rice dishes have been popular for centuries across various cuisines. You’ve got everything from Spanish Arroz con Pollo to Middle Eastern-style pilafs. What makes this one unique is the creamy, cheesy twist that takes it to another level. While traditionally, many chicken and rice dishes are baked or stewed, this stovetop version makes it faster and a little more hands-on without being complicated. Adding Parmesan cheese is a nod to Italian flavors, while the use of cream makes it feel rich and indulgent.

Let’s talk ingredients: easy and flavorful essentials

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a few basic ingredients come together to make something truly mouthwatering.

• Chicken breasts: These form the backbone of the dish. I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and evenly. If you’re out of chicken breasts, chicken thighs will work too—they add a little more richness and tenderness.
• Long-grain white rice: This absorbs all the flavors while staying nice and fluffy. If you’re looking for a healthier twist, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it’ll need a bit more time to cook.
• Chicken broth: This enhances the depth of flavor, especially since we’re cooking the rice directly in it. You could swap it for vegetable broth if you’re in a pinch.
• Heavy cream: This is what gives the dish its signature creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could substitute half-and-half, but the texture won’t be quite as rich.
• Parmesan cheese: The key to making this dish ultra cheesy and comforting! Freshly grated is best (trust me, it melts more smoothly), but pre-grated works if that’s what you have on hand.
• Onions and garlic: These bring in an aromatic base that ties the whole dish together. If you don’t have fresh onions, shallots would be a great swap.
• Olive oil: We use this to sear the chicken and sauté the aromatics. If you prefer, you can swap it for butter or any neutral oil like avocado oil.
• Parsley: Just a sprinkle for garnish adds a nice freshness and a pop of color to balance the creaminess.

Kitchen gear: what you’ll need (and what you can totally skip)

One of the reasons I love this recipe so much is that it doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment. Here’s all you need:

• A large skillet with a lid: This is non-negotiable because we need the skillet to be large enough to hold the chicken, rice, and liquid, and the lid is crucial for steaming the rice. If you don’t have a skillet with a lid, you can use a large saucepan and cover it tightly with aluminum foil.
• A spatula or tongs: For flipping the chicken and stirring everything together.
• Grater: If you’re grating Parmesan fresh (which I highly recommend), a simple box grater will do the trick.
• A sharp knife: For chopping the onion and garlic. I find a smaller paring knife is perfect for the garlic, and a chef’s knife works well for the onion.

If you don’t have some of this gear, don’t worry! You can always make do with what you have in your kitchen.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method (and a few hard-learned lessons)

1. Sear the chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then, heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pan and let it get nice and golden on each side—this will take about 4-5 minutes per side. (Here’s a little tip: don’t overcrowd the pan, or you won’t get that beautiful golden-brown sear.) Once they’re browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

2. Sauté the aromatics

Without cleaning the skillet, add your chopped onion and minced garlic right into the oil and chicken drippings. This adds extra flavor to the dish! Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until they’re soft and fragrant.

3. Toast the rice

This step is one of my favorite little tricks. Add the rice to the skillet with the onions and garlic, and let it toast for a couple of minutes. Stir it often so it doesn’t burn, but you want it to get a bit golden—it’ll add a lovely nutty flavor to the final dish.

4. Add the liquids and simmer

Now pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring it all together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, making sure everything is well-combined. This is where the magic happens!

5. Cook the chicken and rice together

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy rice mixture. Cover the skillet with its lid (or foil), reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes. The rice will absorb all that delicious broth, and the chicken will finish cooking through. Just be sure to check that the rice is tender before moving on to the final step. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, feel free to add a splash more broth or water.

6. Finish with Parmesan

Once the chicken and rice are fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in your grated Parmesan cheese. This is where the dish turns into something truly magical—the cheese melts into the rice, making it creamy and cheesy in the best way.

7. Serve

Finally, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top and get ready to serve! The parsley adds that little touch of freshness that cuts through the richness.

How to switch it up: my favorite variations

I’ve played around with this recipe quite a bit, and there are a few different ways you can make it your own.

• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add mushrooms for an extra meaty texture, or even some sautéed spinach or kale for a bit of green.
• Gluten-free option: Luckily, this recipe is already gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. Just double-check the labels!
• Lighter version: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk if you want to lighten it up a bit. You can also use less Parmesan or swap it for a lighter cheese like mozzarella.
• Herb swaps: If you’re out of parsley, try using fresh basil or cilantro for a different twist. You can also add dried herbs like thyme or oregano for more flavor depth.

Serving suggestions to elevate your dish

If you’re serving this at a dinner party or just want to elevate your presentation, here’s how I like to plate it. Serve the chicken breast right on top of a bed of the creamy Parmesan rice, with the parsley scattered generously over the top. You could even add a wedge of lemon on the side for a pop of brightness.

As for sides, a light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, are also great options to balance the richness of the dish.

What to drink with creamy Parmesan chicken & rice?

When it comes to beverages, I personally love serving this dish with something light and refreshing. Since the meal is on the rich side, you’ll want a drink that can cleanse the palate without overpowering the flavors.

• Iced tea: A classic choice. I like mine with just a hint of lemon and not too sweet.
• Sparkling water: You can’t go wrong with a fizzy, cold glass of sparkling water. Add a twist of lime or cucumber for a bit of extra flavor.
• Citrus-infused water: Lemon, lime, or even orange slices in cold water make for a simple and refreshing option.

Leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, the best way to keep the creamy texture is to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pan and warm it over low heat. Stir occasionally until everything is heated through. You can also microwave it in a pinch, but I find the stovetop method keeps the rice creamier.

Need to make more (or less)? Scaling the recipe

This recipe serves four, but it’s super easy to scale up or down. If you’re cooking for two, simply halve the ingredients. For a crowd, you can double everything—just make sure you’ve got a large enough skillet or use two pans if needed. One thing I’ve noticed is that when making a larger batch, you might need to add a little extra broth to ensure the rice cooks evenly.

Avoiding potential pitfalls

• Rice not cooking evenly? Make sure you stir the liquids well before adding the chicken back into the pan. This ensures the rice is evenly distributed and has enough liquid to cook through.
• Chicken overcooked? If your chicken is cooked but your rice still needs time, remove the chicken from the pan and cover it with foil to keep warm while the rice finishes cooking.

Go ahead, give it a try!

I’m telling you, this one-pan creamy Parmesan chicken and rice is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests. So grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking! You’ll definitely want to add this to your regular rotation—and feel free to tweak it to suit your tastes.

FAQ

1. Can I use instant rice for this recipe?
Sure! Just be aware that the cooking time will be much shorter, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking the chicken.

2. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the texture of the rice might change slightly. If you do freeze it, make sure to add a little broth or cream when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

3. How do I make this dairy-free?
Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk (the unsweetened kind) and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

4. What can I use instead of Parmesan?
If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great substitutes that will still give you that cheesy goodness.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Try adding peas, spinach, or even chopped bell peppers during the last 10 minutes of cooking for some extra color and nutrients.

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