Effortless One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Weeknight dinners just got more delightful with this creamy parmesan chicken & rice miracle.

My kitchen has seen countless experiments, but this one-pan wonder truly stands out from the crowd.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical dance of flavors that will make you smile.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly amid fluffy rice, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Mediterranean herbs and rich parmesan cheese elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and tastes that lingers deliciously.

Trust me, you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds of this irresistible culinary creation.

What Makes One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice Good

• Prepare a restaurant-quality meal using just one skillet, eliminating multiple pots and pans, which means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your delicious creation.
• Craft a complete, satisfying dinner in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families or professionals craving a homemade meal without extensive cooking time or complicated techniques.
• Combine creamy rice, tender chicken, and rich Parmesan cheese into a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner solution that guarantees clean plates.
• Incorporate spinach for an extra nutritional boost, transforming this one-pan meal into a balanced dinner with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in a single, delightful preparation.

Ingredients for One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main dish, best when boneless and skinless.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich, salty cheese that adds depth and creamy texture to the dish.

• Onion: Aromatic base that provides sweet and savory foundation.
• Garlic: Adds robust flavor and enhances overall taste profile.
• Spinach: Optional green vegetable that brings freshness and nutritional boost.
• Fresh Parsley: Light herb for garnishing and adding bright, fresh finish.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for searing chicken and sautéing vegetables.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and rich flavor for rice cooking.
• Heavy Cream: Creates creamy, luxurious sauce and helps rice become tender.

• Salt: Essential for enhancing overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and completes seasoning.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that adds complexity to chicken's flavor.

How to Make One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice Easily

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle olive oil across the pan surface. Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Develop Flavor Base

In the same skillet, toss diced onions and cook until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and stir quickly to prevent burning. Let the aromatics release their fragrant notes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Rice Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir ingredients thoroughly and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Build Creamy Layers

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the rice mixture. Nestle cooked chicken pieces on top of the rice. Cover skillet and reduce heat to low. Allow rice to absorb liquid and become tender, approximately 20-25 minutes.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Fold chopped spinach into the dish during the last 5 cooking minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips to Nail One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Perfectly Sear Chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
• Intensify Flavor Boost: Toast rice in onion and garlic mixture for an extra minute to develop a deeper, nuttier taste profile before adding liquids.
• Cream Sauce Rescue: Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, silky sauce that coats the rice and chicken beautifully.
• Customize Protein Swap: Replace chicken with turkey or boneless pork chops for a versatile one-pan meal that adapts to your protein preferences.
• Rice Texture Trick: Let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking to allow rice to absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.

How to Store One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Keep chicken and rice separately to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy rice.
• Warm portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent rice from sticking and ensure even heating.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a tablespoon of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Pairing Ideas for One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy richness of the chicken and rice, offering a refreshing contrast that enhances the dish's flavors.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan to provide a zesty, crunchy counterpoint to the creamy, soft rice and tender chicken.
• Whip up some roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to add a caramelized, slightly charred element that complements the dish's smooth texture and savory profile.
• Serve warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce, adding a satisfying crunch and additional layer of flavor to the meal.

Recipe Variations for One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace Italian seasoning with a gluten-free blend. Use certified gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Reduce cooking time to 10-15 minutes and adjust liquid accordingly.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a similar flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and increase seasoning to enhance flavor.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens, blending tender chicken with rich, cheesy rice. Home cooks can create this hearty meal with minimal cleanup, enjoying restaurant-quality flavors without complex preparation.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Main Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet by heating olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a perfect searing environment for the chicken.
2. Season the chicken pieces with a blend of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring comprehensive flavor coverage.
3. Carefully place the chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust through 5-7 minutes of cooking, guaranteeing complete doneness.
4. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a temporary plate, keeping it warm and ready for later incorporation.
5. Utilize the same skillet to sauté diced onions, allowing them to soften and become translucent within 2-3 minutes.
6. Introduce minced garlic to the onion mixture, letting its aromatic essence permeate the skillet for an additional minute.
7. Gently fold uncooked rice into the onion-garlic base, ensuring each grain becomes coated with the flavorful foundation.
8. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious liquid base for the rice to absorb.
9. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent rice from sticking.
10. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid, allowing it to melt and integrate smoothly.
11. Carefully nestle the previously cooked chicken pieces atop the rice mixture.
12. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low, allowing the rice to steam and absorb flavors for 20-25 minutes.
13. During the final 5 minutes of cooking, delicately fold chopped spinach into the dish if desired.
14. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and herbaceous flavor before serving.

Notes

• Perfectly sear chicken by patting it dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Control rice texture by using long-grain white rice, which prevents mushiness and ensures each grain remains separate and fluffy.
• Transform this dish into a gluten-free option by using gluten-free chicken broth and checking Parmesan cheese ingredients for potential gluten contamination.
• Boost nutrition by experimenting with alternative greens like kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach, adding extra vitamins and varied taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg