If you’re looking for a simple yet indulgent dish that can be made with minimal cleanup, this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is the perfect solution. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this dish combines tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked rice—all cooked together in one pan. The richness of the Parmesan and the savory chicken meld perfectly, while the rice soaks up all the delicious flavors, making each bite a comforting delight.
A Comforting One-Pan Meal
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is everything you need for a satisfying meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The chicken, coated in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce, cooks together with the rice, ensuring that every element is bursting with flavor. The result is a wholesome, hearty dish that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort to prepare, yet still feels like a special treat.
The creamy sauce provides a luxurious texture, while the Parmesan adds a depth of flavor that elevates the whole dish. The chicken stays moist and tender, absorbing the flavors from the sauce as it cooks, while the rice becomes the perfect base to soak it all up. This dish is so easy to make, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
Ideal for busy evenings, this recipe gives you the convenience of one-pan cooking, saving you time on both prep and cleanup. It’s great for those who love a flavorful, comforting meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Whether served as a family dinner or a cozy date night meal, One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients for One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
To create this flavorful, creamy dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together perfectly in one pan. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
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Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential for that rich, nutty flavor. It melts beautifully into the sauce, giving it a creamy texture.
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Rice – Long-grain white rice works best, as it cooks evenly and absorbs the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
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Heavy Cream – This is the key to making the sauce luxuriously creamy. You can also use half-and-half if you prefer a lighter version.
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Chicken Broth – Adds depth of flavor to the rice and sauce. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a different taste.
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Garlic – Freshly minced garlic brings a savory, aromatic element to the sauce that balances the richness of the cream and Parmesan.
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Olive Oil – For cooking the chicken and adding flavor to the dish.
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Butter – Adds a silky richness to the sauce and helps cook the garlic without burning it.
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Salt and Pepper – For seasoning the chicken and sauce to taste.
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Fresh Parsley (optional) – Chopped parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the finished dish.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, and the best part is that it all cooks in one pan. Follow these steps to make this comforting meal:
Step 1:
Begin by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 2:
Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Step 4:
Next, add the rice to the pan and stir it to coat it in the garlic and butter mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast.
Step 5:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth.
Step 6:
Return the chicken breasts to the pan, placing them on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and rice.
Step 7:
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the sauce. The chicken will finish cooking during this time, and the Parmesan will melt into the creamy sauce.
Step 8:
Once the dish is done, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor, if desired.
Enjoy your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice, a comforting and creamy meal made with ease!
How Long to Cook One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
The cooking time for this dish can vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the type of rice used. Here are some general guidelines:
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Chicken Breasts – Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Rice – The rice will need about 15-20 minutes to absorb the cream and broth mixture, becoming tender and flavorful. Make sure the pan is covered during this time to keep the moisture in.
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Simmering Time – After adding the chicken and Parmesan, let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes. This will ensure the chicken is fully cooked through, and the rice has absorbed the creamy sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, they can be stored easily and enjoyed later. Here’s how to store them for the best results:
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Refrigerator – Place any leftover One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain its creamy texture.
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Freezer – While the dish can be frozen, the rice may change in texture upon reheating. To freeze, transfer the cooled leftovers to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Tips for Perfect One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:
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Use Fresh Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan will give the dish the best flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan may not melt as smoothly, affecting the creamy texture.
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Add Extra Flavor – For a bolder taste, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
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Check the Rice – If you’re using a different type of rice, like brown rice, you may need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid. Brown rice will need a longer simmer time.
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Substitute Chicken – If you prefer, you can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
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Keep the Lid On – When simmering the rice, make sure the skillet is covered. This helps the rice cook evenly and absorb the creamy liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which can add extra richness to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a little longer to cook than breasts, depending on their size. -
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
While long-grain white rice is the best option for this dish, you can experiment with other types of rice like jasmine or basmati. If you choose brown rice, keep in mind it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time, so you may need to adjust the simmering time and the amount of broth used. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the entire recipe, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. For best results, add a little more cream or broth when reheating to maintain the creamy texture. -
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten this dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lower-fat cream. You could also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese, though this will affect the richness of the sauce. For an even lighter version, try using chicken breast tenderloins instead of full chicken breasts, as they cook quicker and are lower in fat.
One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a simple, delicious dish that combines tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and flavorful rice, all cooked together in one pan. It’s a perfect meal for busy nights or special occasions, offering comfort and rich flavor in every bite. With minimal cleanup required, this dish is as convenient as it is tasty!
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 ½ cups chicken broth
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add rice to the skillet, stirring to coat in the garlic and butter mixture. Cook for 2 minutes.
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Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine and ensure the rice is evenly distributed.
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Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the chicken and rice.
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Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
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Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
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For added crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds over the chicken and rice before cooking.
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a little chicken broth or cream.
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If you prefer, substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier and richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
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