Irresistible One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that don’t compromise on flavor or complexity of one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice.

Busy home cooks deserve meals that come together effortlessly without sacrificing taste.

This comforting recipe combines tender chicken with rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked rice in a single skillet.

Crispy chicken edges meld beautifully with velvety parmesan coating, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Every forkful promises warmth and comfort, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.

The entire dish develops deep, satisfying flavors while minimizing cleanup—a true weeknight winner.

Dive into this delectable recipe and discover how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 690 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients You’ll Need For One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy protein that becomes the star of this comforting one-pan meal, selecting fresh, plump cuts ensures maximum flavor and succulence.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, nutty depth and creamy texture, choosing freshly grated wheels delivers more intense taste compared to pre-packaged options.

• Onion, Garlic: Building a flavor foundation that creates a delicious base, selecting firm, fragrant onions and fresh garlic cloves elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses Mediterranean herbs and warmth, opt for a blend with vibrant, aromatic dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that amplify and balance the overall taste, using freshly ground pepper provides more robust flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a silky, rich cooking liquid that helps tenderize rice and develop deep flavors, selecting low-sodium varieties allows better control of saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: Generates luxurious, velvety texture, ensuring room temperature cream prevents separation during cooking.
• Uncooked Rice: Acts as a hearty base that absorbs all surrounding flavors, long-grain varieties work best for maintaining perfect texture.
• Spinach: Optional fresh green element that adds nutrition and color, choosing crisp, bright leaves ensures best results.
• Fresh Parsley: Final garnish that brings brightness and freshness, selecting vibrant green leaves enhances visual appeal.

• Olive Oil: Provides cooking medium and subtle flavor, using extra virgin ensures better taste.

Essential Tools For One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Large Skillet: Your main cooking vessel for creating this delicious one-pan meal, perfect for sautéing and simmering.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking while cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure rice, broth, and cream for perfect consistency.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, spinach, and parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Used for precise ingredient preparation and cutting chicken if needed.
• Cheese Grater: Helps create fresh, fluffy Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for portioning out seasonings and salt precisely.

How To Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Chicken Sizzle

Grab a large skillet and warm some olive oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle your chicken with seasonings that make your taste buds dance. Let the chicken cook until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and feels perfectly done. Scoop out the chicken and set it aside for a moment.

• Aromatic Base

In the same magical skillet, toss in diced onions and let them soften into a delicious foundation. Splash in some minced garlic and let its fragrance fill your kitchen with warmth.

• Rice Transformation

Introduce uncooked rice to your skillet, letting it mingle with the onion and garlic. Pour in liquid gold – a combination of broth and cream. Let everything bubble and blend together, creating a creamy canvas.

• Cheesy Fusion

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese generously, watching it melt into a silky blanket. Gently nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet, letting it rest on the rice landscape. Cover and let everything simmer quietly, allowing flavors to become best friends.

• Final Touch

If you’re feeling adventurous, tuck some green spinach into the mix during the last few minutes. Finish with a flourish of fresh herbs, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Tips To Elevate One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Perfect Chicken & Rice Hacks
• Moisture Magic: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavors and prevents soggy meat.
• Rice Perfection Trick: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture, and avoid stirring too much during cooking to prevent sticky, mushy results.
• Cream Stability Secret: Let heavy cream come to room temperature before adding to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Protein Swap Options: Replace chicken with turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or firm white fish for a delightful protein variation that keeps the dish exciting.
• Diet-Friendly Modifications: Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, use dairy-free cream alternatives for lactose-sensitive diets, and choose gluten-free chicken broth to accommodate various dietary needs.

Serving Up One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this hearty one-pan meal together, creating warm memories while savoring each delicious bite.
• Elegant Date Night Plating: Carefully arrange the creamy chicken and rice on elegant white plates, garnish with fresh parsley, and pair with a crisp white wine for a romantic dinner experience.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion leftovers into individual containers for quick, delicious lunches throughout the week. The dish reheats beautifully and maintains its creamy texture and rich flavors.
• Texture & Garnish Upgrade: Top with toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs for added crunch, complementing the creamy rice and tender chicken perfectly.

Plan Ahead With One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Slice and package chicken and rice into individual containers for quick grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Perfect for busy professionals and students seeking delicious meal solutions.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Always cool dish completely before sealing to maintain optimal texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Portion the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers, label with date, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently with splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in microwave or skillet, adding small amount of chicken broth or cream to prevent rice from drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain dish's original luxurious texture.

Wholesome Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Parmesan chicken & rice emerges as a comforting classic that brings Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables. Simple ingredients combine for a hearty meal that satisfies hunger and delights palates with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped (optional)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden-brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Aromatic Base: In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, releasing deep flavor profiles.
3. Rice Integration: Coat uncooked rice in the onion-garlic mixture. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a creamy liquid foundation. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir to develop a smooth, rich sauce.
4. Layering and Cooking: Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the rice mixture. Cover and simmer on low heat, allowing rice to absorb liquids and develop a tender consistency.
5. Finishing Touches: Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the dish during the final cooking moments. Wilt spinach slightly and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot, ensuring a harmonious blend of creamy rice, tender chicken, and vibrant greens.

Notes

• Chicken Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy texture.
• Rice Liquid Ratio Precision: Maintain proper broth-to-rice proportion to achieve perfectly fluffy, non-sticky rice; adjust liquid slightly based on rice variety.
• Searing Technique Mastery: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to develop a crispy, golden-brown chicken exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Dietary Adaptation Flexibility: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, use cauliflower rice for low-carb option, or swap chicken with tofu for vegetarian alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 690
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg