This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a comforting, satisfying dish thatโs perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked rice all come together in a single pan for easy cooking and cleanup. The result is a rich, flavorful meal thatโs ready in no time, making it a family favorite that youโll want to put on repeat.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- One-pan convenience: Everything cooks in one pan, saving you time on both preparation and cleanup.
- Rich and creamy: The Parmesan cheese adds a savory, creamy richness thatโs hard to resist.
- Family-friendly: With chicken and rice as the base, this dish appeals to both kids and adults.
- Customizable: You can easily add veggies or switch up the protein to suit your preferences.
- Weeknight dinner: Quick to make and with minimal effort, it’s ideal for busy evenings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Long-grain white rice
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sautรฉ the onion and garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the rice: Add the chicken broth to the pan and bring it to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Add cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the rice mixture, creating a creamy sauce.
- Return the chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the pan, nestling them into the rice mixture. Cover and let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add vegetables: Incorporate some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli into the rice for added flavor and nutrition.
- Different grains: Try swapping the rice for quinoa or couscous for a different texture and nutritional profile.
- Different protein: You can use chicken thighs, shrimp, or even pork chops instead of chicken breasts.
- Herbs and spices: Add extra seasoning like Italian herbs, smoked paprika, or cayenne for a kick of heat and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken and rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain the creaminess. Alternatively, microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and add more flavor due to their higher fat content.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
While the chicken freezes well, the creamy rice may not retain its texture after freezing. Itโs best to store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
4. Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice. Simply reduce the amount of broth and add the rice in step 5 when stirring in the cream and Parmesan.
5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth.
6. How can I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Be sure to measure the liquid carefully and cook the rice on low heat, covered, until it’s tender but not mushy.
7. Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?
You can use milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich. For a thicker consistency, you can mix in a little flour or cornstarch.
8. What other cheeses can I use?
You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
9. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan.
10. What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans complement this dish well.
Conclusion
One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a simple yet decadent meal thatโs perfect for any night of the week. Its creamy texture and savory flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, and the one-pan convenience ensures easy cleanup. Whether youโre cooking for family or just want a comforting meal, this recipe has you covered!
PrintOne-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy and comforting one-pan dish combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and savory Parmesan cheese for a delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken is cooked to golden perfection, and the rice soaks up all the rich, creamy flavors. Plus, minimal cleanup makes it even better!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sautรฉ the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the rice and stir to coat it in the butter and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and frozen peas (if using). Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165ยฐF).
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer.
- For added flavor, squeeze some lemon juice over the chicken before serving.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free broth and ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free.
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