The Easiest One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand comfort and simplicity, and this one pan creamy parmesan chicken and rice delivers pure culinary magic.

Tender chicken nestles into a bed of perfectly cooked rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty dimension that elevates every single bite.

The creamy sauce weaves through each ingredient, creating a luxurious texture that feels like a warm embrace.

Minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction make this dish a true winner for busy home cooks.

With just one pan and straightforward ingredients, you can transform ordinary chicken and rice into an extraordinary meal.

Savor each delectable spoonful and let this recipe become your new weeknight dinner hero.

Presenting Chicken Parmesan Rice for Meals

• Cozy Weeknight Dinner Delight: Serve this one-pan chicken and rice masterpiece with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness.
• Family Favorite Plating: Arrange chicken breasts atop the creamy rice, sprinkle extra parsley, and add a quick side of roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete nutritious meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish's creamy parmesan flavor with a chilled glass of unoaked chardonnay or a light pinot grigio to enhance the dining experience.
• Quick Leftover Transformation: Shred remaining chicken and rice, mix with additional broth, and create a delicious next-day lunch soup or hearty lunch wrap.

Chicken Parmesan Rice – Keeping It Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping chicken and rice separate to maintain texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm leftovers in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking, heating until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They’ll add more flavor and stay juicier during cooking.

• Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free version.

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice are ideal. Avoid quick-cooking rice as it might become mushy during the longer cooking process.

• How can I make the dish more protein-rich?

Add some sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers during the sautéing stage to increase protein and vegetable content without changing the core recipe.

One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Magic

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Tackle this one-pan wonder that transforms complex cooking into a stress-free meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Unlock Versatile Comfort: Satisfy picky eaters and sophisticated palates alike with a creamy, cheesy chicken and rice dish that adapts to any mood or appetite.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Whip up a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving home-cooked goodness without extensive kitchen time.
• Nutritious and Indulgent Balance: Enjoy a protein-packed chicken breast nestled in creamy, Parmesan-infused rice that feels like a treat while providing wholesome nutrition.

Ingredient List for Chicken Parmesan Rice Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that forms the center of this delicious one-pan meal.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that provide a rich, savory base for the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.

• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the rice to perfection.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture in the final dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.

• White Rice: The starchy foundation that absorbs the creamy sauce and completes the one-pan meal.

How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Rice Bake

Step 1: Season and Sear Chicken

Sprinkle chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.

Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their delicious aroma.

Step 3: Toast and Simmer Rice

Add rice to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast and absorb the existing flavors.

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Complete One-Pan Cooking

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet.

Cover and let everything cook together for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and chicken to continue cooking.

Step 5: Create Creamy Finish

Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.

Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the rice becomes luxuriously creamy and tender.

The sauce should coat everything beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish.

Serve immediately while hot, straight from the skillet for maximum flavor and presentation.

Tips for Making Creamy Parmesan Rice Fluffy

• Choose fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and tender results.
• Stir rice constantly during toasting to avoid burning and ensure uniform texture.
• Adjust chicken broth amount slightly if rice appears too dry or too wet during cooking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged cheese for richer, more authentic taste.
• Let dish rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.

Ways to Vary Chicken Parmesan Rice Casserole

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, add dried oregano and thyme, and use brown rice for a wholesome, herb-infused meal.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate diced green chilies, substitute regular rice with quinoa, and sprinkle chili powder and cumin for a zesty, protein-packed alternative.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable broth, and maintain the creamy Parmesan sauce for a plant-based option.

One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice delivers comfort on a plate, blending Italian-inspired flavors with simple cooking magic. Creamy, cheesy goodness meets tender chicken in a single skillet that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Dairy:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, small, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Grains and Liquid:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Herbs and Spices:

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper for robust flavor enhancement.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into hot skillet, searing until rich golden-brown crust develops on each side, approximately 4-5 minutes per surface. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
4. Within the same skillet, gently sauté diced onions and fragrant garlic until translucent and aromatic, releasing their natural sweetness.
5. Introduce uncooked rice into the skillet, gently stirring to lightly toast grains and develop deeper nutty undertones.
6. Stream chicken broth into the skillet, allowing liquid to reach a gentle, rolling simmer.
7. Nestle previously seared chicken breasts back into the rice mixture, covering skillet and allowing contents to cook undisturbed for 15 minutes at low heat.
8. Drizzle heavy cream and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet, stirring gently until rice transforms into a luxuriously creamy consistency and reaches tender perfection, approximately 5 minutes.
9. Finish the dish with a vibrant garnish of freshly chopped parsley, serving immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for more tender and juicy meat, especially if cooking for those who prefer darker meat cuts.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier version of the dish.
• For gluten-free adaptation, ensure all ingredients like Parmesan are certified gluten-free and verify broth ingredients.
• Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 575 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg