One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

The aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through your kitchen as this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice simmers to perfection is simply irresistible. This comforting dish combines tender chicken pieces with creamy rice, all coated in a luxurious parmesan sauce that’s both rich and satisfying. The beauty lies in its simplicity—everything cooks in a single pan, meaning maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. You’ll learn how to create this restaurant-quality meal using simple ingredients while mastering the techniques that make this creamy chicken and rice dish a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice will quickly earn a spot in your regular meal rotation for so many reasons. First, the convenience factor is unbeatable—using just one pan means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal. The combination of textures is delightful: tender, juicy chicken pieces contrast beautifully with the creamy rice that has just the right amount of bite.

The flavor profile is what truly sets this dish apart. The chicken absorbs the savory garlic and herb notes while the rice soaks up the rich, creamy parmesan sauce, creating perfect harmony in every bite. Each forkful delivers a balance of protein, carbs, and creaminess that satisfies deeply.

For busy weeknights, this creamy chicken rice skillet offers the perfect solution—it’s quick enough for everyday dinners yet impressive enough for guests. The gradual building of flavors creates a dish that tastes like it took hours, though it’s ready in just about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice, you’ll need:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

The success of this parmesan chicken with creamy rice depends on quality ingredients. For the best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-packaged versions, as it melts more smoothly and provides a more authentic taste.

Pro Tips

To elevate your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice from good to great, follow these critical techniques:

Season and sear properly: Don’t rush the chicken-browning step. Season the chicken pieces generously and allow them to develop a golden crust before removing them from the pan. This creates a flavor foundation for the entire dish and ensures tender, juicy chicken. Make sure not to crowd the pan—work in batches if necessary to achieve proper browning.

Master the rice-to-liquid ratio: The perfect creamy consistency depends on the correct ratio of liquid to rice. The recipe calls for 2½ cups of broth and 1 cup of cream to 1 cup of rice, which might seem like a lot of liquid, but this creates the signature creamy texture. If the mixture seems too thick during cooking, add broth 2 tablespoons at a time.

Control the heat: Once you add the cream and cheese, maintain a gentle simmer rather than a boil to prevent curdling. Stir occasionally from the bottom up to ensure even cooking and to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan. This gentle approach produces the velvety, restaurant-quality sauce that makes this chicken and parmesan rice dish memorable.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the outside but not completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and dried thyme, then cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This aromatic base will infuse your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice with incredible flavor.

Step 3: Toast and Cook the Rice

Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat with the oil and aromatics. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This brief toasting step adds depth to the rice’s flavor. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits—these contain concentrated flavor that will enhance your dish.

Step 4: Simmer and Combine

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, until the rice has absorbed about half the liquid. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces into the rice. Cover again and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the rice is nearly tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Finish

Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese, stirring gently to incorporate. If using peas, add them now. Continue cooking uncovered for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency and coats the rice and chicken beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach the perfect consistency. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Transform your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice by adding sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and kalamata olives during the final few minutes of cooking. Finish with crumbled feta cheese instead of or in addition to the parmesan for a tangy Mediterranean twist that’s bursting with flavor.

Mushroom Lover’s Version: For an earthy, umami-rich variation, add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini, button, or a wild mushroom mix) when cooking the onions. The mushrooms will release their moisture and concentrate in flavor as they brown, adding depth to your creamy parmesan chicken skillet. A splash of white wine before adding the broth will further enhance the flavor profile.

Dairy-Free Adaptation: For those avoiding dairy, create a creamy texture using full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese. The coconut adds subtle sweetness that works beautifully with the savory elements, while nutritional yeast provides that essential cheesy flavor without any dairy.

Storage and Serving

Storage: Your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency, as the rice will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months, though the texture of the rice may change slightly upon thawing.

Serving Suggestions: This creamy parmesan chicken dish shines as a complete meal on its own, but for a restaurant-worthy presentation, serve it with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

For an elegant dinner party, serve your chicken and parmesan rice in shallow bowls, garnished with additional grated parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, and fresh herbs. A glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay makes the perfect accompaniment to balance the dish’s creamy richness.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount. Brown rice typically requires about 40-45 minutes to cook and may need an additional ½ cup of broth. Add the chicken later in the cooking process to prevent it from becoming tough.

What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of whole milk and 2 tablespoons of butter. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious. For a lighter version, you can use evaporated milk.

Can I make this with chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe and often stay more tender. The cooking time remains roughly the same.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it? If your sauce hasn’t thickened to your liking, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Alternatively, you can make a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the dish and cook for another minute.

Can I add vegetables to make this a complete one-pan meal? Definitely! Quick-cooking vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus can be added in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Heartier vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers should be added when you return the chicken to the pan.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is comfort food at its finest — creamy, satisfying, and bursting with savory flavors that wrap around you like a warm hug. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, bringing everyone to the table with eager anticipation. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe proves that exceptional meals don’t require exceptional effort—just thoughtful preparation and quality ingredients. Make this your go-to dish when you crave something creamy, comforting, and completely delicious.

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