One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners easy yet incredibly satisfying. With tender chicken breasts, creamy rice, and a flavorful Parmesan sauce, this dish is a comforting, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort and clean-up. The best part? It all comes together in one pan, making it both a time-saver and a family favorite.

This dish is an ideal option for anyone looking for a creamy, cheesy dinner that still feels light. The chicken is cooked to perfection, and the rice becomes luxuriously creamy thanks to the addition of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Garlic and onions infuse the dish with rich flavors, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to complete the meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a casual dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this one-pan recipe will quickly become a go-to option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Meal

Cooking in one pan means less mess and fewer dishes to clean, making it the perfect option for a quick and easy dinner.

2. Rich and Creamy

The creamy Parmesan sauce coats the chicken and rice, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.

3. Quick and Easy

This recipe is straightforward and takes less than an hour from start to finish, making it great for busy nights.

4. Family-Friendly

The mild flavors and creamy texture are sure to please both adults and kids alike.

5. Versatile

Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables, swapping in different cheeses, or using other cuts of chicken.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Variations

Add Vegetables: Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the rice for added texture and nutrients.
Swap the Protein: Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
Different Cheese: While Parmesan gives this dish its signature flavor, you can try swapping some of it for mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Make it Spicy: If you enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to spice things up.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add Rice and Cheese

Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir again, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce.

Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Pan

Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the rice is cooked and the chicken is fully heated through, garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor: If you prefer bone-in chicken, you can use bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Stir the Rice Occasionally: While cooking the rice, stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Check the Rice: If the rice isn’t fully cooked or there’s still liquid in the pan, cover and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce gets too thick, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

How to Serve

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for added nutrition. Garlic bread or crusty rolls would also pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat on the stove or in the oven.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes! You can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice or even jasmine rice. Just keep in mind that different rice types may require adjustments to the cooking time and liquid amounts.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this dish, offering more flavor and tenderness.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this recipe is best made fresh, you can prep the ingredients and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the sauce to give the dish a little heat.

5. Can I use non-dairy alternatives for this recipe?

Yes, you can use non-dairy cream and vegan cheese options to make this recipe dairy-free.

6. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check with a meat thermometer to be sure.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to the skillet to enhance the dish with more flavor and nutrition.

8. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Yes, pre-grated Parmesan cheese can be used, but freshly grated cheese will melt better and give a creamier texture.

9. Can I cook this dish in the oven instead?

You can bake the chicken and rice in the oven, but the stovetop method allows for better control over the creamy sauce and rice texture.

10. How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to stir the rice occasionally as it simmers, and ensure there is enough liquid in the pan to keep the rice moist.

Conclusion

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chicken, creamy rice, and cheesy goodness in a quick and easy one-pan meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious, hassle-free dinner that requires minimal cleanup. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy indulgence of this comforting meal!