One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a weeknight hero of a dish that delivers all the comfort you crave, with none of the cleanup dread. Imagine juicy chicken nestled in buttery, garlicky rice, all drenched in a velvety Parmesan sauce that melts into every grain. It’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and comes together in a single skillet, proving that “simple” and “spectacular” really can go hand in hand. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating friends, this is the kind of meal you’ll look forward to making as much as eating.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because every ingredient is chosen to pack in as much flavor as possible, effortlessly coming together into creamy, golden perfection. Here’s what you need—and why you’ll be glad you used it!

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into even pieces so they cook quickly and soak up the rich flavors.
Long-grain white rice: Its delicate texture makes it ideal for absorbing all that creamy sauce without turning mushy.
Chicken broth: Adds a savory depth to the rice, leaving every forkful full of hearty flavor.
Heavy cream: The secret to a lusciously creamy sauce, giving each bite its silky richness.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The undoubted star—salty, nutty, and melting beautifully into the sauce.
Garlic: Sautéed until fragrant, it forms the base of this dish’s irresistible aroma.
Onion: Diced and sautéed for a mellow sweetness that rounds out the savory flavors.
Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and sauté the aromatics, bringing everything together with a subtle fruitiness.
Butter: Enhances the creamy texture and adds a luxurious finish to the rice.
Salt and pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning both the chicken and the finished dish perfectly.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Sprinkled over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and let them cook until golden on both sides—about 3–4 minutes per side. You want to form a tasty crust that’ll add depth to your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside (don’t worry—it finishes cooking later).

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same pan, making sure to keep all those delicious browned bits from the chicken. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until it softens and turns slightly golden. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn—just enough for your kitchen to smell amazing.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the rice directly into the pan with your onions and garlic, stirring for a minute or two. Toasting the rice briefly gives it a wonderful nutty flavor while ensuring every grain becomes infused with all those savory, garlicky aromas.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any fond from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then return your seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice. Cover, lower the heat, and let everything cook for about 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Parmesan

When the rice is fluffy and the chicken is juicy, reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan until everything is beautifully creamy and the cheese has melted into the sauce. Give your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let it sit for a couple of minutes uncovered to thicken slightly.

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Garnishes

Nothing brightens up this creamy dish like a finishing sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. For an extra pop, add a little more grated Parmesan and a dusting of black pepper right before serving. If you love a little zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice works wonders too!

Side Dishes

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a meal in itself, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or simply steamed green beans on the side for color and crunch. If you feel indulgent, serve it with warm, crusty bread to mop up every drop of the luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, consider spooning the creamy chicken and rice into individual ramekins for an elegant single-serve look. Or, serve it family-style in a large skillet at the center of the table, letting everyone dig in. You can even garnish with roasted cherry tomatoes or baby spinach for extra color and nutrition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The creamy sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of broth or cream when reheating will bring it right back to perfection.

Freezing

While this dish can be frozen, creme-based sauces sometimes change texture after thawing. If you plan to freeze extra portions, let the dish cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and stir well to re-incorporate the creaminess.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer your leftovers to a skillet or saucepan and warm over medium-low heat, adding a bit of milk, broth, or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between rounds, for a fast and satisfying lunch the next day.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and richness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through thoroughly.

What kind of rice works best for One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, as it cooks up fluffy and doesn’t get sticky. Short-grain or specialty rices like arborio may affect the texture, so stick with the classic if it’s your first time.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

It’s easy! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, but always double-check that your broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free just to be safe.

Can I add vegetables to the pan?

Definitely! Stirring in broccoli florets, spinach, or peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking is an easy way to boost nutrition and color without dirtying another dish.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk will work—the sauce won’t be quite as thick or rich, but you’ll still have a lovely, creamy result.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that delivers maximum coziness for minimal effort, you can’t go wrong with One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and so satisfying. Give this recipe a try next time you want an easy dinner that feels extra special—you’ll want to put it on repeat!