There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy, cheesy, one-pan meal. This One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe is your ticket to a cozy, flavor-packed dinner with minimal effort and cleanup. Imagine juicy chicken breasts nestled in a bed of creamy, cheesy rice infused with garlic and Parmesan goodness. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend evening.

What makes this recipe even more appealing is how simple it is to prepare. With just one pan and a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip up a meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re an experienced cook or someone just starting to find their way around the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and yields restaurant-quality results.

In my household, this dish has become a favorite because it’s satisfying, versatile, and can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes. I remember the first time I made it, my family immediately declared it a “make-again” meal. Since then, it’s been on regular rotation, often with little twists like adding spinach or swapping the chicken for shrimp.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try and how you can make it yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s easy and convenient: Everything comes together in one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash (and who doesn’t love that?).
Rich, creamy flavors: The Parmesan and heavy cream give the dish a luxurious, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and fluffy rice.
Kid- and family-friendly: This recipe is mild yet flavorful, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Customizable: You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Add veggies, swap the rice for a lower-carb option, or use your favorite herbs.
Perfect for leftovers: The flavors deepen as the dish sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

If you’re a fan of easy comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this one’s for you.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 | Protein: 32g | Carbs: 30g | Fat: 22g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy One-Pan Parmesan Chicken and rice:

Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each).
Rice: 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked). Long-grain rice works best for this recipe because it stays fluffy and doesn’t clump together.
Chicken Broth: 2 cups. This adds flavor to the rice and keeps everything moist.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup. The key to that luscious, creamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated. Freshly grated cheese melts better and has more flavor than pre-shredded.
Onion: 1 small, finely chopped. Adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Because everything is better with garlic.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. For browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped. Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage—they’ll finish cooking later. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften and turn translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Toast the Rice

Add the uncooked rice to the pan with the onion and garlic. Stir it around for 2-3 minutes, letting it soak up the flavors and toast lightly. This step gives the rice a nuttier flavor and helps it cook evenly later.

4. Add the Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper, then bring it to a gentle simmer.

5. Simmer with the Chicken

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pan, making sure they’re partially submerged in the liquid. Cover the pan tightly with a lid or foil, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer for 20-25 minutes. The rice should absorb most of the liquid, and the chicken should be cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F).

6. Stir in Parmesan

Once the chicken and rice are done, sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top and gently stir it into the rice. The cheese will melt into the creamy sauce, creating an irresistible texture.

7. Taste and Adjust

Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little extra salt, pepper, or Parmesan can go a long way.

8. Garnish and Serve

For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving. Enjoy your creamy Parmesan chicken and rice straight from the pan or transfer it to a serving dish for a more elegant presentation.

Tips for Success

Don’t skip the searing: Browning the chicken adds a layer of flavor that makes a big difference in the final dish.
Toast the rice: This simple step enhances the flavor and helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Keep the lid on tight: To ensure the rice cooks properly, it’s important to trap the steam. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
Let it rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to mix things up:

Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted tofu. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Low-Carb Alternative: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice. Note that cauliflower rice cooks much faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Herbs Galore: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for a unique flavor twist.

How to Serve

This One-Pan Parmesan Chicken is satisfying on its own, but you can elevate it with some simple side dishes:

A fresh green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette.
Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots.
Crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the creamy sauce.

Storing and Reheating

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat them without losing the magic:

Refrigeration: Store the cooled dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice has a longer cooking time. You may need to increase the liquid and simmer time accordingly.

What if my rice is still undercooked?
If the liquid has been absorbed but the rice isn’t fully cooked, add a splash of broth or water, cover, and cook for a few more minutes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and verify that your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe is comfort food at its best. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your family’s preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe has you covered.

I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! If you make it, be sure to let me know in the comments or tag me on social media. Happy cooking!