Quick & Tasty One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that spark joy at the dinner table.

This mouthwatering one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice delight recipe delivers comfort and convenience in every single bite.

Savory chicken nestles perfectly against fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

parmesan cheese weaves its magic, adding a rich, tangy dimension that elevates the entire dish.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and minimal cleanup, making it a weeknight warrior’s dream.

With just a single pan and straightforward ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Dive into this easy, satisfying recipe and watch as dinner becomes the highlight of your evening.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice in One Dish

• Chicken Charm Grab your chicken fillets and sprinkle them with a delightful mix of salt and pepper. Warm up a skillet with olive oil until it's sizzling hot and ready for action.
• Golden Sear Slide the seasoned chicken into the skillet. Let each side turn a gorgeous golden brown, creating a mouth-watering crust that locks in all the delicious flavors. Once perfectly seared, set the chicken aside on a cozy plate.
• Aromatic Symphony Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the same skillet. Watch them dance and transform, releasing their irresistible fragrance and creating a flavor foundation that'll make your kitchen smell incredible.
• Rice Transformation Introduce the rice to the skillet, stirring it around to absorb all the delicious remnants from the chicken and aromatics. This toasting process will give your rice an extra nutty, rich flavor that'll make taste buds sing.
• Creamy Magic Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a luxurious liquid that will envelope the rice and chicken. Let everything simmer together, blending flavors and creating a harmonious one-pan wonder.
• Final Flourish Nestle the golden chicken back into the creamy rice, cover the skillet, and let everything mingle on low heat. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top, watching it melt into a dreamy, cheesy blanket that ties the entire dish together.

Parmesan Tips and Swaps for Big Flavor

• Replace chicken with tender turkey breast, flaky white fish, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a versatile meal that suits different dietary preferences.
• Mix in chopped spinach, roasted bell peppers, or frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking to add extra nutrition and vibrant color to the dish.
• Adjust the liquid ratio by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, or add more broth if you prefer a saucier consistency.
• Experiment with herbs and spices like smoked paprika, dried thyme, or red pepper flakes to customize the flavor profile and add a personal touch to the recipe.
• Prepare the dish in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently with a splash of extra broth to restore moisture.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Rice All in One Go

• Pair with Fresh Greens: Serve alongside a crisp mixed salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy chicken and rice.
• Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top to add brightness and a pop of color to the dish.
• Add Roasted Vegetables: Complement the meal with quick roasted asparagus or broccoli for extra nutrition and texture contrast.
• Enhance with Wine Pairing: Select a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to elevate the dining experience and cut through the creamy sauce.

One-Pan Storage Tips for Minimal Cleanup

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Carefully transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Remains delicious when frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Avoid microwave to maintain the dish's creamy consistency.
• Portion and Pack: Divide into individual meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Use compartmentalized containers to keep ingredients separate and prevent sogginess. Perfect for work or school meals that require advance preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Chicken Fillets: Tender protein foundation that absorbs seasoning beautifully, select fresh, uniform-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that wake up the chicken's natural taste, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum zest.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavor-building duo that creates a rich, comforting foundation, choose firm onions and plump garlic cloves for maximum sweetness.

• Chicken Broth: Provides deep, savory undertones and helps cook rice perfectly, opt for low-sodium varieties to control salt levels.
• Heavy Cream: Transforms the dish into a luxurious, velvety experience, select high-quality cream for ultimate richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, sharp complexity and creamy texture, choose freshly grated for most intense flavor.

• Rice: Absorbs surrounding flavors and creates a hearty base, select medium-grain rice for ideal texture and absorption.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface and subtle fruity undertone, use extra virgin for best flavor profile.

The Only Tools You Need for One-Pan Chicken

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking every component of the dish, from searing chicken to simmering rice.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing rice from sticking.
• Chef's knife: Needed for finely chopping onions and mincing garlic.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure rice and chicken broth.
• Cheese grater: Used for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning and handling chicken during cooking.

Succulent Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Parmesan chicken & rice delight brings comfort and elegance to weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup. Creamy textures and rich flavors combine seamlessly, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this simple yet sophisticated meal.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken fillets (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 onion (small, finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Parsley (fresh, chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Evenly coat chicken fillets with salt and pepper, ensuring comprehensive coverage on both surfaces.
2. Searing Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook chicken until golden-brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a separate plate.
3. Aromatic Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until onions become translucent, releasing their fragrant essence.
4. Rice Toasting: Introduce rice to the skillet, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes to develop a rich, nutty flavor profile.
5. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a smooth, harmonious cooking base. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Chicken Reincorporation: Carefully return seared chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the creamy rice mixture.
7. Simmering Process: Cover skillet, reduce heat to low, and allow dish to simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken cooks completely.
8. Cheese Finale: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, stirring until fully melted and integrated. Perform final seasoning adjustments with salt and pepper.

Notes

• Chicken Browning Technique: Achieve a golden-brown crust by ensuring the skillet is hot before adding chicken, which locks in flavors and creates a beautiful exterior.
• Rice Toasting Tip: Sautéing rice for 2-3 minutes before adding liquid develops a deeper, nuttier flavor and prevents clumping.
• Moisture Management: Use the same skillet for each step to capture layered flavors and minimize cleanup while maintaining a rich, cohesive taste profile.
• Cheese Melting Secret: Add Parmesan off the heat to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy texture that coats every grain of rice perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg