If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, flavorful meal that feels special yet comes together effortlessly, you’re going to love this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe. It combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked rice all in one skillet, making dinner not only delicious but also a breeze to clean up. The creamy Parmesan melt together with aromatic herbs guarantees a satisfying meal everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient plays an essential role in crafting this scrumptious dish. From spices that wake up the chicken to the creamy blend that makes the rice so dreamy, these simple staples work together to create a fantastic balance of flavors, texture, and color.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty protein base that stays juicy and tender when cooked just right.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to a golden-brown perfection while adding a subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a deep, savory punch that enhances the chicken’s flavor effortlessly.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and a warm color to the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple but vital seasonings that awaken all the flavors in the skillet.
- 1 cup long-grain rice: Provides a fluffy, absorbent base that soaks up all the delicious creamy sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Keeps the rice moist and infuses it with savory depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that irresistible silky, rich texture binding everything together.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Imparts a sharp, nutty flavor that makes this dish feel truly indulgent.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs adding complexity and freshness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of vibrant color and a fresh herbal note at the end.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. While the oil warms, season your chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. These simple spices do all the heavy lifting to bring bold flavor right from the pan’s first sizzle.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the skillet, cooking each side for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want that beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in all the juices. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry, it will finish cooking nestled in the creamy rice soon.
Step 3: Combine Rice and Creamy Ingredients
In the same skillet, add the rice along with the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together vigorously to blend the flavors and to ensure nothing sticks to the pan. This mix creates the luscious, creamy base that will soak up all the fantastic tastes.
Step 4: Simmer Chicken and Rice Together
Return the chicken breasts back to the skillet, nestling them gently into the rice mixture. Bring everything to a simmer, then cover and turn the heat down low. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes. This slow simmer is magic—it finishes cooking the chicken perfectly while the rice absorbs the rich sauce and softens to tender perfection.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once everything’s cooked through and the kitchen smells heavenly, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish. This finishing touch not only brightens the flavor but gives the dish a beautiful, inviting look on the table.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the star garnish here — it adds a fresh, peppery note and a vibrant green pop that makes this creamy dish visually stunning. If you want to elevate even more, a little extra shaved Parmesan on top never hurts!
Side Dishes
This recipe is wonderfully hearty on its own, but pairing it with crisp, lightly dressed green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus can balance the richness. A slice of crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve the chicken breast sliced and fanned out over the rice. Drizzle any leftover pan sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped herbs and a little cracked black pepper. It turns this weeknight favorite into a restaurant-worthy plate in seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days, making for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a suitable container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the creamy texture and flavor balance.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to refresh the creamy sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming without drying out the chicken or rice.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?
Yes! Just remember that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so you’ll need to adjust accordingly to make sure it cooks through without drying out the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with a coconut cream or cashew cream alternative and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy flavor.
What if I want to add vegetables to the dish?
Great idea! Feel free to stir in quick-cooking vegetables like spinach or peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking, so they stay vibrant and fresh.
Can this recipe be made in an oven-safe dish instead of on the stovetop?
Yes, you can start by searing the chicken on the stovetop, then transfer everything to an oven-safe skillet or casserole dish and bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
What wine pairs well with One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio works beautifully with this dish, complementing the creamy Parmesan sauce without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly wonderful about how the One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity all at once. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day and is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home too. So grab that skillet and get ready to fill your kitchen with delicious aromas and happy memories!
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
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a delicious and comforting meal that combines tender chicken breasts seared to perfection with a creamy, cheesy rice cooked all together in one skillet. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, this dish features savory garlic and paprika-seasoned chicken nestled into rich Parmesan-infused rice, simmered to creamy tenderness and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice Mixture
- 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
- Prepare the skillet and season the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to ensure flavorful meat.
- Sear the chicken breasts: Place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside briefly.
- Make the creamy rice mixture: In the same skillet, add the uncooked long-grain rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly and scrape any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
- Simmer chicken and rice together: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the rice mixture. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice is tender and creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley to add brightness and a fresh aroma before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh chicken breasts that are of even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, uncover the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the dish will be less creamy.
- Long-grain rice should not be rinsed before cooking to preserve the starch needed for creaminess.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
