Craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to whip up? This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice checks all the boxes. Tender chicken, creamy rice, and a generous helping of parmesan cheese come together in a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Plus, it all cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The chicken turns out juicy and flavorful, while the rice absorbs all the goodness of the creamy sauce. It’s a wholesome, all-in-one meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for feeding the family or enjoying leftovers the next day.

Ingredients

Here’s a peek at the key ingredients. The full list and exact measurements can be found below.

Chicken thighs or breasts
Long-grain white rice
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Fresh garlic
Parmesan cheese
Butter and olive oil
Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Nestle the chicken back into the pan, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Expert Tips and Tricks

For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth.
Use a non-stick or heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent the rice from sticking.
If the rice absorbs too much liquid, add a bit more chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even boneless, skinless thighs for a leaner option.
Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or peas for a nutritional boost.
For a lower-carb version, use cauliflower rice, but reduce the cooking time as it cooks much faster.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This dish is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a touch of brightness, serve with a wedge of lemon on the side to squeeze over the chicken and rice.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken and rice.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.

What’s the best way to check if the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative.

Can I make this ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can make it ahead and reheat gently on the stove. Just add a splash of broth to bring back the creaminess.

Conclusion

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is the ultimate comfort food that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with cozy vibes—everything you need in a satisfying dinner. Gather your ingredients, grab your skillet, and let this delicious one-pan wonder become a weeknight favorite. Enjoy!

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, creamy rice, and a savory parmesan sauce come together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a wholesome meal the whole family will love!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken thighs or breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Rice: Add rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Make It Creamy: Remove the chicken once more and stir heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the rice. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy rice over the top.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Add vegetables like spinach or peas for added nutrition.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with rice
Calories: 480
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 120mg