One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Imagine tender chicken nestled in creamy, aromatic rice, with the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese bringing everything together in perfect harmony. This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice convenience for flavor. When busy weeknights demand both satisfaction and simplicity, this dish delivers with minimal cleanup and maximum taste. You’ll learn how to create a restaurant-quality meal using just one pan, transforming everyday ingredients into something truly special that your family will request again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The magic of this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice lies in its perfect balance of convenience and indulgence. First, there’s the incredible texture contrast between the crispy-skinned chicken thighs and the creamy, Parmesan-infused rice beneath. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of savory chicken, tender rice, and that distinctive nutty Parmesan flavor that ties everything together.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its effortless preparation. Everything cooks in a single pan, allowing the chicken to release its flavorful juices directly into the rice as it simmers. This not only creates an incredible depth of flavor but also means you’ll have just one pan to wash when dinner is done.

The versatility of this parmesan rice with chicken makes it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. It’s elegant enough to serve to guests but simple enough to prepare on your busiest days. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld overnight.

Ingredients

For this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice, you’ll need:

• 1½ lbs (680g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4-6 thighs)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (14g) butter
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups (300g) long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 3½ cups (830ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• ¾ cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

The freshly grated Parmesan is essential here – pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. For the creamiest results, look for authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano, which will create that silky texture that makes this creamy chicken and rice dish so irresistible.

Pro Tips

To elevate your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice from good to spectacular, focus on these three critical techniques:

First, properly sear your chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown and crispy. This step takes patience – about 6-8 minutes without disturbing the chicken. This creates that beautiful texture contrast and develops deep flavor compounds that will infuse the entire dish. Resist the urge to move the chicken too early; when properly seared, it will release from the pan naturally.

Second, deglaze the pan thoroughly after removing the chicken. Those browned bits (fond) stuck to the bottom contain concentrated flavor. Add a splash of chicken broth and scrape vigorously with a wooden spoon before adding the rice. This prevents burning while incorporating those rich chicken flavors throughout the creamy parmesan rice.

Finally, allow the dish to rest covered for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This resting period lets the rice absorb any remaining liquid and allows the flavors to settle. The result is perfectly tender rice and chicken that’s moist and flavorful throughout. This brief patience at the end makes all the difference in texture and taste.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels – this is essential for achieving that perfect golden crust. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 6-8 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. You’re not fully cooking the chicken yet – just developing flavor and texture. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same pan with the chicken drippings. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, and paprika, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant. This aromatic base is what gives your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice its distinctive flavor profile.

Step 3: Add the Rice
Stir in the rinsed rice, coating it thoroughly in the flavored oil and butter mixture. Toast the rice for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This quick toasting step adds a subtle nutty dimension to your creamy chicken and rice dish.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Stir in ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese and all of the heavy cream until well combined.

Step 5: Return the Chicken and Finish Cooking
Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the rice mixture, skin-side up. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the rice looks too dry during cooking, add an additional splash of broth.

Step 6: Final Touches
Remove from heat and sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan over the top. Cover again and let rest for 5 minutes. Before serving your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright finishing touch.

Variations

This versatile One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a Mediterranean twist, add ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes, a handful of baby spinach, and ¼ cup of chopped Kalamata olives during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The bright acidity of the tomatoes and olives beautifully cuts through the richness of the creamy parmesan base.

For a lighter version with fewer calories, substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the thighs, and replace the heavy cream with half the amount of Greek yogurt stirred in after cooking. You’ll still get creaminess with added protein and less fat. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for chicken breasts, as they cook more quickly than thighs.

Vegetable lovers can enhance this creamy chicken with rice by adding 1 cup of mixed vegetables like peas, diced carrots, and bell peppers. Add firmer vegetables like carrots with the rice, and stir in softer vegetables like peas in the final 5 minutes of cooking for perfect texture throughout.

Storage and Serving

Your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy texture, then warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating, which can cause the sauce to separate.

For an impressive presentation, serve this dish straight from the pan at the center of your table, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Complement it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness of the creamy rice.

Turn this into a complete feast by pairing it with garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. For wine lovers, this parmesan chicken and rice pairs beautifully with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay, which balances the creamy texture while complementing the savory Parmesan flavors.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Reduce the cooking time by about 5-7 minutes, as boneless cuts cook faster. For boneless breasts, check for doneness even earlier to prevent them from drying out.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can substitute for heavy cream, though the result won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well with the flavor profile of this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. If using brown rice, increase the broth to 4 cups and expect to cook for 35-40 minutes. You may need to partially cook the chicken separately and add it to the rice later to prevent overcooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is naturally gluten-free, assuming your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. Always check your ingredient labels to be certain.

Can I make this ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare this dish up to a day ahead. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to refresh the creamy texture, and consider adding a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is comfort food at its finest — creamy, satisfying, and bursting with savory flavors that bring the whole family to the table. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, proving that you don’t need complicated techniques or countless ingredients to create something truly memorable. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or discerning guests, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making it a recipe you’ll return to time and again.

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