When it comes to weeknight dinners, nothing beats a recipe that is both delicious and easy to make. Enter the One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice—a dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with creamy, flavorful rice, all cooked together in one pan.

Not only does this recipe save you time on cleanup, but it also delivers a hearty, comforting meal that your whole family will love.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or someone who simply loves a quick and satisfying dinner, this dish is bound to become a favorite. Ready to whip up this creamy goodness? Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to mountains of dishes! Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious sauce that coats every grain of rice and every bite of chicken.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these pantry staples on hand—no need for a grocery store haul.
Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have dinner ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing protein and heartiness.
1 cup long-grain white rice: Perfect for soaking up all the creamy goodness.
2 cups chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor to the rice while keeping it moist.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy base for the dish.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty richness that ties everything together.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and flavor to the dish.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better!
2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness to the final plate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and brown them on both sides until golden (about 3-4 minutes per side). Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked yet—they’ll finish cooking later. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits add flavor!), add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes to toast the rice slightly. This step enhances its flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy later on.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook Chicken and Rice Together

Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the liquid, becoming tender, while the chicken cooks through completely.

Step 6: Add Parmesan Cheese

Once the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it creamy and rich. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Tips for Success

Tightly Cover Your Skillet: This ensures that the rice cooks evenly by trapping steam inside. If your lid isn’t tight-fitting, use a layer of foil before placing the lid on top.
Stir Occasionally: While simmering, give everything a gentle stir once or twice to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts into your sauce. Freshly grated cheese will give you a smoother, creamier result.
Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra burst of nutrition and color.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and balance of flavors. The chicken broth infuses both the rice and chicken with savory depth, while heavy cream and Parmesan create an indulgently creamy sauce that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to make. Toasting the rice beforehand adds a subtle nuttiness, while garlic and onion provide aromatic undertones that elevate every bite.

Cooking everything together in one pan not only saves time but also allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a cohesive dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Perfect Pairings

Looking to round out your meal? Here are some side dishes that pair beautifully with One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice:

A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish.
Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots for added nutrition.
Garlic bread or dinner rolls for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce!

Final Thoughts

The One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is more than just a meal—it’s comfort food at its finest. With its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and perfectly cooked chicken, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table. Plus, its one-pan preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without all the hassle.

So grab your skillet and give this recipe a try—you just might find yourself adding it to your regular dinner rotation!

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

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Enjoy a quick and delicious dinner with our One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice, featuring tender chicken and creamy rice, all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights!

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pan
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and brown on both sides until golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
Toast the Rice: Add rice to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Combine Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
Cook Chicken and Rice: Return chicken to the skillet, cover tightly, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Finish with Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Ensure the skillet is covered tightly to cook the rice evenly.
Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra flavor and texture.