If you’re in need of a heartwarming, fuss-free weeknight dinner, One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is your new best friend. This dish brings together tender bites of chicken, perfectly creamy rice, and a generous helping of Parmesan, all made in a single pan for easy prep and cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for your family or sharing with friends, this comforting meal is a perfect blend of savory flavors, velvety texture, and a pop of green from peas, delivering a complete and satisfying experience every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is its use of dependable, everyday ingredients—each one playing a crucial part in the final flavor. From the savory chicken and aromatic garlic to the creamy cheese finish, every item earns its place on your grocery list.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavor and helps crisp up the chicken perfectly in your pan.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These soak up all the delicious seasonings and stay moist thanks to gentle simmering.
- Salt and black pepper: A must for bringing out the natural taste of your chicken and balancing the dish.
- Yellow onion: Diced onion creates a sweet and aromatic foundation for your rice.
- Garlic: Three cloves impart a deep, savory aroma that underscores every bite.
- Long-grain white rice: Absorbs all those creamy, cheesy flavors for satisfying texture and taste.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory goodness and keeps the dish from becoming too salty.
- Heavy cream: Lends that irresistible creaminess, making the whole dish feel extra indulgent.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient for a bold, nutty, cheesy flavor in every forkful.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a balanced blend of herbs for subtle depth and a hint of brightness.
- Frozen peas (optional): Stirred in at the end, they offer a sweet pop of color and freshness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle of green makes everything look extra appetizing and brings a light herbal note.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sprinkle your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside—don’t worry if it’s not cooked through just yet! Browning first locks in flavor and gives the chicken beautiful color. Scoop the chicken out onto a plate and set aside while you get the rest of the pan party started.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan (no need to clean it, those brown bits add amazing flavor!), toss in your diced onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until it turns soft and a bit translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. This classic duo adds an irresistible aroma and depth to your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Add the long-grain white rice right into the aromatic onion and garlic mixture. Cook, stirring often, for about 1 minute. This little extra step gives your rice a subtle nutty note and helps it hold its shape once it simmers away in the broth.
Step 4: Simmer the Rice
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan for maximum flavor. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. This is where the rice drinks up all those rich flavors and turns tender.
Step 5: Add the Chicken, Cream, and Cheese
Uncover the pan and return the browned chicken to the skillet. Immediately pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Gently stir to combine. Cover once more and cook another 5–7 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking through and the rice to reach ultra-creamy perfection while the cheese melts right in.
Step 6: The Finishing Touches
Once the rice is creamy and the chicken is perfectly cooked, stir in the frozen peas, if you’re using them. Let everything heat together for another 1–2 minutes. Turn off the heat, then shower the top with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve warm—remember, you only have one pan to wash, which makes life so much sweeter!
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
Garnishes
Top your steaming bowls of One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a little more grated Parmesan for extra cheesy flair. A twist of black pepper or a lemon wedge on the side can brighten things up if you like a little zing with your savory main.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, try pairing this skillet wonder with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Simple garlic bread makes a fantastic side for scooping up every creamy bite, while a glass of chilled white wine adds elegance for nights you feel like treating yourself.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice extra special by scooping it into individual ramekins or small bowls and topping with a few extra peas and a drizzle of good olive oil. Or, dish it family-style straight from the skillet in the center of your table—it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together for second helpings and happy chatter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for lunch the next day or a stress-free grab-and-go dinner.
Freezing
For longer-term storage, portion your cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. Keep in mind the texture of the rice may soften after freezing, but the flavors stay delicious!
Reheating
To reheat, place your desired portion of One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice in a skillet or saucepan and add a splash of chicken broth or water. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, using short bursts and stirring in between to maintain that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and will need more liquid—add an extra 1/2 cup broth and extend the simmering time by about 15-20 minutes. The result will be a slightly nuttier flavor and heartier bite.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a different spin. Greek yogurt stirred in at the very end is another good option for creaminess with a tangy twist. Just avoid low-fat dairy, as it can curdle when simmered.
Is this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice gluten-free?
Yes, as listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. To be extra cautious, double-check that your chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free, as some brands add stabilizers containing gluten.
How can I make this vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and proceed with the recipe as usual. The dish stays rich and creamy while being totally meatless!
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Just skip the browning step and add chopped rotisserie chicken along with the cream and cheese in Step 5. It’s a wonderful hack for making One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice in record time on your busiest nights.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting, delicious meal that’s on the table in about half an hour, you simply must give One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice a try. Every bite is cozy, satisfying, and sure to become a new family favorite—plus, cleanup is a total breeze. Grab a skillet and make some dinnertime magic!
Print
One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal with this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe. Tender chicken and rice cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a hint of Italian seasoning, this dish is a family favorite that comes together easily in one skillet.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook until browned but not fully cooked through, then set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and cook briefly.
- Cook the Rice: Stir in rice to toast slightly, add chicken broth, simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Add partially cooked chicken, heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes until rice is tender. Stir in peas, cook briefly, then garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic.
- You can swap peas for broccoli or spinach.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
