One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

If you’re after a meal that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, look no further than this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice. With flavors that sing in every bite and a cleanup that’s blissfully simple, this dish is the ultimate weeknight hero. What’s truly magical is how the TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes come together: just golden chicken, creamy rice, and a single skillet standing between you and comfort food perfection. The Parmesan brings a salty richness, the rice swells with savory broth, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley crowns it all. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this dish will win hearts—and you’ll hardly believe how easy it is.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this dish has an important job, from building layers of flavor to creating that dreamy, creamy texture. Keep it simple, focus on quality, and watch these essentials come together for a meal that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts stay juicy and absorb flavors beautifully when simmered in the sauce.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce without turning mushy—don’t swap for short-grain here!
• Chicken Broth: Gives depth and heartiness to the dish, infusing the rice with savory notes.
• Heavy Cream: Creaminess in every bite, making the entire skillet luxuriously smooth.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding richness and that unmistakable umami punch.
• Onion: Finely chopped, it forms the flavor base for your one-pan wonder.
• Garlic: Minced for fresh flavor—it brings warmth and an appetizing aroma.
• Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken and aromatics while adding a subtle fruity background.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that make every other flavor sing.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled to finish, bringing color and a fresh bite to your creamy dish.

How to Make TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper for layers of flavor from the start. Heat up olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then carefully add the chicken. Let each side brown for a few minutes—don’t rush this step! You’re sealing in juices and building that irresistible golden crust. Once both sides are beautifully golden, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside, keeping all those pan juices where they are.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Toss the finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the same skillet. Stir them gently, letting the onion turn translucent and the garlic release its fragrance. This is where the flavor foundation is built, so let everything soften and meld for a rich, tempting aroma.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the long-grain white rice straight into the fragrant skillet. Stir it for two to three minutes as it lightly toasts and absorbs all the oniony, garlicky goodness. Toasting the rice adds a subtle nuttiness and prevents it from becoming mushy later.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, giving a good stir to blend everything into a smooth, creamy base. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, appreciating the way the TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes begins to come together. The aroma at this stage is reason enough to feel excited about dinner!

Step 5: Return Chicken and Cook Everything

Nestle the browned chicken breasts right back into your skillet, pressing them down so some of the creamy rice mixture comes up the sides. Cover the pan tightly—this is key!—and turn the heat to low. Allow everything to simmer together for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken will cook through, and the rice will turn irresistibly tender and luscious.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan

Uncover the skillet and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, then stir gently to create that creamy, dreamy final texture. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. You’ll know it’s ready when you can’t resist sneaking a spoonful straight from the pan.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green freshness, and carry the skillet straight to the table. The TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes has produced a dinner that looks as lovely as it tastes.

How to Serve TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes

Garnishes

A final scattering of chopped fresh parsley is a must—not only does it look stunning against the creamy rice, but it also adds a fresh, herby finish. For extra decadence, shave a bit more Parmesan on top right before serving. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper invites a little bite, making every forkful even more dynamic.

Side Dishes

The creamy, savory richness of TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes truly shines with something crisp or fresh alongside. A simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette, roasted green beans, or steamed broccoli all make for effortless but perfect pairings. Want something extra cozy? Crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring the whole skillet to the table for family-style serving—let everyone dip in! For a dinner party, spoon individual portions into shallow bowls and top each with a sprig of parsley and a Parmesan flake. Leftovers also make an indulgent lunch the next day—pack with extra greens for a hearty workday upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once everyone has enjoyed their fill, simply let the leftovers cool to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep beautifully for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next meal just as rewarding.

Freezing

Cream-based dishes aren’t always freezer-friendly, but if you want to stash away extra TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes, it can be done! Allow the dish to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to a month—just know that the texture may be slightly less creamy but all the flavor remains.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm portions in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s silkiness. Microwave reheating works too—cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each, to heat evenly without drying out the chicken or rice.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will turn out just as juicy (arguably even more so) and bring slightly richer flavor to your TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes skillet. Just adjust cooking time if needed to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Is it possible to use brown rice instead of white?

Brown rice can be used, but it requires a longer cooking time and extra liquid. Expect the dish to take about 10–15 minutes longer and check that the rice is nice and tender before finishing.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can swap the heavy cream for a rich, unsweetened non-dairy creamer and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. While it won’t be quite as luscious, it’ll still be full of flavor and comfort!

How can I tell if my chicken is cooked safely?

To ensure safe doneness, use a meat thermometer—insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What can I do if my rice is undercooked and the liquid’s gone?

No worries! Simply add a splash more chicken broth, cover the skillet, and let it steam for an extra 5 minutes or so. The rice should finish cooking up perfectly tender in the creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about pulling off a flavorful, all-in-one meal like TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes with just one pan and a handful of ingredients. Give this recipe a whirl—your tastebuds and your busy schedule will both thank you!

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