If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful, and hassle-free meal, this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts nestled in a luscious, creamy Parmesan-infused rice that absorbs every bit of flavor—all cooked together in a single pan for easy cleanup. It’s the kind of dish that feels gourmet but comes together effortlessly, perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something special on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, accessible ingredients is the first step to making this dish shine. Each item plays a vital role, from building layers of flavor to adding richness and comforting textures that complement one another beautifully.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide a tender, juicy protein base that cooks quickly without drying out.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Ideal for browning the chicken to lock in flavor and give a slight crispy exterior.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a sweet, mellow garlic essence that boosts the overall savoriness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smoky depth and gorgeous color to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup long-grain rice: This helps soak up the creamy sauce, providing fluffy texture without becoming mushy.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth, keeping it moist and full of flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Key to the recipe’s signature creamy, velvety sauce that brings all the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that imparts a fresh, aromatic kick.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brings a pop of color and a fresh, vibrant flavor to finish.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until beautifully browned and caramelized. This searing step not only seals in the juices but also adds a rich, golden crust that intensifies the taste. Once browned, set the chicken aside; it will finish cooking later right in the creamy rice.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Rice Mixture
Using the same skillet allows you to keep all the wonderful browned bits from the chicken, which dissolve into a flavorful base. Add the rice along with chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined. This mixture is the heart of your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe, marrying the creaminess of the cheese and cream with the aromatic broth and herbs.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Rice Together
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy rice mixture so they gently cook through in all that flavor. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb all the delicious liquid and soften perfectly, while the chicken finishes cooking to juicy perfection right on top.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once your chicken is cooked and the rice is tender and creamy, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top to add a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness. Now your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe is ready to wow your taste buds and your loved ones with its rich, comforting flavors all from one easy skillet.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley works wonders as a simple garnish, enhancing every plate visually and with a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. For an extra touch, you could sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top or even add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat that lingers pleasantly.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a hearty meal on its own, but if you want to add some veggies, a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli make perfect companions. They add color, crunch, and balance the creamy texture, making your meal even more satisfying and nutritionally rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish directly in the skillet for a cozy, rustic vibe that invites everyone to dig in family-style. Alternatively, plate each chicken breast over a generous scoop of creamy rice and drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan on top for a more refined presentation. Adding colorful side veggies around the edges completes the picture beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even further as it rests, making it a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind the creaminess might slightly separate when thawed. Portion it before freezing in freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that luscious texture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy and the rice creamy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain rice?
Brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid, so it’s not ideal for this one-pan recipe without adjustments. If you want to try, you’ll need to increase the cooking time and broth quantity accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer and use a nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese instead of Parmesan. The texture and flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work beautifully, offering extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
What type of pan works best for this recipe?
A large, deep skillet or sauté pan with a lid is best so there’s enough room to cook the chicken and rice evenly and to trap the steam during simmering, which cooks everything perfectly.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve with a drizzle of hot sauce. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the rice for extra heat.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe is pure comfort food magic in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or impressing friends, the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice come together so easily and deliciously. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s a go-to favorite that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat!
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
Description
A delicious and creamy one-pan meal featuring tender seared chicken breasts cooked with flavorful Parmesan-infused rice in a rich, creamy sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning for a comforting and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice & Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Rice Mixture: In the same skillet, add the uncooked long-grain rice along with chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the rice is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer Chicken with Rice: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet on top of the rice mixture. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook undisturbed for 20 to 25 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook through completely and the rice to absorb the creamy sauce and become tender.
- Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the rice is tender, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, comforting one-pan meal.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan with a lid to ensure even cooking and prevent the sauce from drying out.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the heavy cream slightly or remove the lid in the last few minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
- For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic to the olive oil before searing the chicken.
- Long-grain rice is preferred for its fluffy texture, but jasmine or basmati rice can be used as substitutes.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to ensure it is safely cooked.
