The Perfect One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

My favorite weeknight chicken and parmesan rice dish combines simple ingredients for maximum flavor without complicated kitchen work.

Fragrant herbs and rich cheese create a comforting meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender chicken pieces nestled among fluffy rice grains.

Minimal cleanup means you can spend more time enjoying dinner than washing dishes afterward.

Sharp parmesan adds a sophisticated depth that makes this recipe feel like restaurant-quality comfort food.

Home cooks searching for an easy, delicious meal will absolutely love how quickly this one-pan wonder comes together.

Ready to impress everyone at your table with minimal effort?

FAQs

• What makes the chicken tender and juicy?

Seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika before searing helps lock in moisture and enhance flavor, ensuring each bite is flavorful and tender.

• Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice with basmati or jasmine rice. Just adjust cooking time slightly as different rice varieties might require slightly different liquid ratios.

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This one-pan chicken and rice recipe reheats well and stays moist. You can store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals or lunch preparation.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice How-To

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Master a one-pan wonder that transforms your weeknight cooking with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Elevate Home Cooking: Create restaurant-quality chicken and rice with professional-level techniques that impress family and guests without complex skills.
• Customize with Ease: Swap herbs, adjust spices, or add vegetables to make this versatile recipe perfectly match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Nutrition in One Skillet: Enjoy a balanced meal combining protein-packed chicken, hearty rice, and creamy Parmesan that satisfies hunger and nutritional needs in a single delicious dish.

Ingredients For Parmesan Chicken & Rice Bake

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that creates the main protein of the dish and absorbs the delicious seasoning flavors.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a classic flavor base that adds depth and fragrance to the one-pan meal.
• Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that enhance the overall taste and add a bright, aromatic touch to the chicken and rice.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Paprika: Adds a warm, slightly sweet undertone and beautiful color to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts into a rich sauce and provides a savory, nutty flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and preventing sticking in the skillet.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the savory flavor of the rice.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture and helps bind the sauce.

• Rice: The starchy base that absorbs the flavorful broth and cream, creating a complete one-pan meal.

Step-By-Step Preparation For Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spices.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until they become fragrant and translucent.

Add rice and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to toast the grains and enhance their nutty flavor.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Liquid

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine all ingredients.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, creating a rich and velvety sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

Carefully return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet.

Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Allow the dish to cook for 20-25 minutes, letting the rice become tender and the chicken cook completely.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Finish

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dish, stirring until it melts and creates a creamy, luxurious texture. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the one-pan meal hot, directly from the skillet for a rustic and inviting presentation.

Helpful Hints For Chicken & Rice Bake

• Select bone-in chicken breasts for extra juiciness and richer flavor in this one-pan meal.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for smoother melting and deeper taste.
• Lower the heat while cooking rice to prevent burning and ensure even, creamy texture.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the dish.
• Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and distribute internal heat evenly.

Flavorful Twists On Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Variation: Swap thyme for oregano and rosemary, add sun-dried tomatoes, and use feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free version that's equally rich and flavorful.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and jalapeños, then top with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro for a zesty, southwestern-style chicken and rice skillet.

Serving Ideas For Chicken & Rice Bake

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this one-pan wonder as a hearty main course for a comforting family meal, perfect for busy weeknights when everyone craves something delicious and satisfying.
• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Plate the chicken and rice on a large white platter, garnish with extra fresh parsley, and pair with a crisp white wine for an impressive dinner party main dish that looks gourmet but is incredibly simple to prepare.
• Lunch Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for a delicious work or school lunch that stays moist and flavorful, with the creamy Parmesan sauce keeping the chicken tender and rice perfectly seasoned.

Proper Storage For Chicken & Rice Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep chicken and rice separate from each other to maintain texture if possible.
• Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Use shallow containers to help food cool faster and store more efficiently.

Quick One-Pan Delicious Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice brings Italian comfort to midweek dinners. Elegant ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Rice and Liquid Base:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet with olive oil heated to medium temperature, seasoning chicken breasts with a blend of salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
2. Create a golden-brown exterior on chicken by searing each side for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a temporary plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to caramelize onions and release garlic’s aromatic qualities, then introduce rice and toast for 1-2 minutes to enhance flavor depth.
4. Integrate chicken broth and heavy cream into the rice mixture, gently stirring to create a uniform liquid base and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Carefully nestle seared chicken back into the skillet, cover, and reduce heat to low, allowing the dish to slowly cook for 20-25 minutes until rice reaches perfect tenderness and chicken completes its cooking process.
6. Elevate the dish’s richness by incorporating Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a luxurious, creamy consistency, then fine-tune seasoning to personal preference.
7. Enhance presentation by sprinkling fresh parsley over the dish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for more tender, juicy meat that stays moist during cooking.
• Toast rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavors and prevent clumping.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning to taste.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice grains.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 595 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg