Description

This easy One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice delivers tender chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a rich, cheesy Parmesan cream sauce with perfectly cooked long grain white rice. Made all in one pan, this flavorful and comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. Customizable with vegetables, spice levels, or dairy substitutes, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that also stores well for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2–3 boneless chicken breasts or thighs, seasoned with salt and pepper

Grains

1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked

Dairy & Fats

1/2 to 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

Aromatics

1 medium onion, chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Seasoning

2 1/2 cups chicken broth
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating a rich savory base.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it with the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil to let the rice start absorbing flavor.
Combine and Simmer: Return the browned chicken to the pan, nestling it on top of the rice. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is fully cooked and chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
Make it Creamy: Once rice is tender, stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly, creating a luscious creamy sauce that coats the chicken and rice.
Final Touches: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the dish for a fresh color and flavor boost. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot directly from the pan.

Notes

Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and retain juiciness.
Allow thorough browning of chicken for better flavor and texture.
Keep the pan covered while simmering to cook rice perfectly without drying.
Freshly grate Parmesan cheese for the best creamy texture and taste.
Adjust chicken broth quantity as needed depending on rice variety to avoid dryness or stickiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 460
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: one-pan chicken, creamy parmesan chicken, chicken and rice, easy dinner recipe, weeknight meal, creamy chicken skillet