One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice [40 Minutes] Recipe

Imagine the sizzle of golden chicken, the aroma of sautéed garlic, and the comfort of creamy, cheesy rice—all bubbling together in a single skillet. That’s the magic of One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice [40 Minutes]. This dish is your ticket to a cozy, impressive dinner that doesn’t require a culinary degree or a sink full of dirty pans. It’s delightfully simple, yet feels like a decadent treat, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I truly adore about this recipe is how each ingredient has a special task: the chicken adds satisfying protein, the rice soaks up all the luscious flavors, and Parmesan brings savory depth. These easy-to-find components are so essential—you’ll see how perfectly they complement each other in every bite!

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts stay juicy when simmered gently in cream and broth, providing a hearty, lean centerpiece.
• Long-grain white rice: This classic absorbs all the creamy goodness and ensures fluffy, tender grains every time.
• Chicken broth: The liquid base infuses the entire dish with savory notes that make every mouthful comforting and rich.
• Heavy cream: Just a splash transforms everything, creating that dreamy, velvety texture without overpowering the other flavors.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: The king of umami! Parmesan melts in, adding sharpness and binding the sauce together.
• Onion: A finely chopped onion brings sweetness and depth—don’t skip it!
• Garlic: Minced garlic perfumes the dish, elevating the flavors with comforting intensity.
• Olive oil: Use good olive oil for browning chicken and sautéing aromatics; it adds a subtle richness.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning goes a long way, so season each layer for balanced flavor.
• Fresh parsley: A final sprinkle for freshness and a dash of color—your eye and taste buds will thank you!

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice [40 Minutes]

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with a generous pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper on both sides. In a spacious skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high until it shimmers. Add the seasoned chicken and let it brown undisturbed—about 3 to 4 minutes per side—until a golden crust forms. This step locks in the juices and builds that irresistible flavor base. (Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t cooked through just yet—it finishes in the sauce!) Remove the browned chicken to a plate and set aside for now.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Using the same skillet (and all that flavorful fond left behind), toss in the finely chopped onion and garlic. Lower the heat to medium and sauté for a few minutes until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This is where the kitchen magic starts—the gentle sizzle infuses the oil, promising a comforting base for the One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice [40 Minutes].

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Pour the rice straight into the skillet with the aromatics, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes. This quick toasting step is a chef’s secret: it boosts the rice’s nutty notes and ensures it cooks up fluffy, not mushy. The rice will pick up the flavor from both the sautéed vegetables and those precious browned bits at the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Combine the Broth and Cream

Now, pour in the chicken broth and the heavy cream. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any remaining fond stuck to the pan—it’s all flavor! Stir everything together so the rice is fully immersed, then increase the heat just until the liquid starts to simmer. You’ll see the beginnings of the deliciously creamy sauce that defines this dish.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken and Rice

Cautiously return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy rice mixture. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and turn the heat down low. Let the One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice [40 Minutes] simmer for 20–25 minutes. This gentle cook ensures the rice soaks up all the liquid, while the chicken turns tender and perfectly juicy. Stir once or twice while it cooks to keep the rice from sticking, and check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Stir in Parmesan and Finish

Once the chicken and rice are cooked, sprinkle over the grated Parmesan cheese and quickly stir it through the sauce until melted and rich. Taste for seasoning—sometimes another dash of salt or pepper makes it just right. The sauce should be creamy, not soupy, with everything melded together in savory harmony.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Time to serve! Scoop a helping of creamy rice and a chicken breast onto each plate. Finish each serving with a scattering of freshly chopped parsley. That vibrant green against the golden sauce makes it look as good as it tastes. You’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice [40 Minutes]

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley is classic, adding a burst of color and gentle flavor on top. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a light dusting of Parmesan or a twist of black pepper just before serving will really wow. A few lemon wedges on the side add a lovely brightness that complements the creamy richness, too.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty and satisfying all on its own, but if you’d like to round out the meal, consider a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette to cut the creaminess. Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or steamed broccoli pair perfectly, balancing the decadent One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice [40 Minutes] flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style meal, bring the skillet straight to the table—let everyone dig in for maximum comfort-food appeal. Or, for a slightly elevated presentation, serve the chicken sliced atop a mound of creamy rice on a platter sprinkled with parsley and extra cheese. Individual bowls work great for meal prepping, too, and make for cheerful, grab-and-go lunches the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice [40 Minutes], it keeps beautifully! Simply transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors mingle even more overnight, so don’t be surprised if you love it even more as a next-day lunch.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze portions for a future busy weeknight. Let the dish cool completely before dividing it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze the chicken and rice together, as the creamy sauce protects the rice from drying out.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual portions, covered, until hot, stirring halfway for even warming. If reheating on the stove, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce and restore that creamy texture. Either way, a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan just before serving perks it right up.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly juicier and even more flavorful. Just follow the recipe as written—adjust the cooking time if your thighs are especially thick to ensure they’re fully cooked.

What kind of rice works best for One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice [40 Minutes]?

Long-grain white rice is the go-to for this recipe, giving you light and individual grains. Short-grain rice will turn out creamier, almost risotto-like, while brown rice requires a longer cooking time and might need extra liquid.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use a little less Parmesan if you wish. While the sauce will be a bit less rich, you’ll still get that signature creaminess that makes One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice [40 Minutes] special.

Can I add vegetables to this skillet?

Yes—diced carrots, peas, or baby spinach are delicious additions! Fold in the veggies with the rice so they cook at the same time, or stir in leafy greens right at the end for a pop of color and nutrition.

How do I keep the rice from sticking or burning?

Make sure to give everything a gentle stir once or twice during simmering, and keep the heat low. Using a skillet with a tight-fitting lid is key, and adding just a splash more broth if things look dry helps prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that will wow your family or guests and requires only one pan and forty minutes, look no further than One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice [40 Minutes]. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your dinner table. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it become one of your own cozy favorites!

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice [40 Minutes] Recipe

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★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal with this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe. Juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a creamy Parmesan sauce with tender white rice, all in one skillet for easy cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Brown in olive oil over medium-high heat, then set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Toast the Rice: Add rice to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bring to a simmer.
5. Cook Chicken and Rice: Return chicken to the skillet, cover tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
6. Finish with Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until creamy. Adjust seasoning.
7. Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

• Ensure the skillet is covered tightly to cook the rice evenly.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Pan-cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 33g
• Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: One-Pan, Creamy Parmesan, Chicken and Rice, Skillet Recipe