The One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe You’ll Adore

My mom’s secret for weeknight magic involves this one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice that always leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Comfort meets convenience in a single skillet that promises zero cleanup stress.

Tender chicken pieces nestle into perfectly cooked rice, creating a luxurious meal without complicated techniques.

parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty depth that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Mediterranean herbs and a velvety sauce make every bite incredibly satisfying and memorable.

Busy home cooks can master this recipe in less than 30 minutes with minimal effort.

You’ll want to savor each creamy, cheesy spoonful and make this dish a regular dinner rotation favorite.

Creamy, One-Pan, and Why Parmesan Chicken & Rice Never Disappoints

• Quick Weeknight Hero: Whip up a delicious dinner in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy families craving a comforting meal.
• One-Pan Wonder: Eliminate multiple dishes and cooking steps by using a single skillet, saving time and reducing kitchen mess for easy post-dinner cleanup.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Combine classic seasonings like paprika, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich, restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Protein Options: Easily swap chicken thighs or breasts based on preference, making this recipe adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.

Chicken Rice Parmesan Skillet Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs or Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the main protein, best when fresh and boneless.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Creates a flavorful coating that enhances the chicken's taste, dried herbs work best.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps with browning, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.

• Onion, Garlic: Adds depth and fragrance to the dish, fresh garlic cloves recommended for best flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall flavor, low-sodium option preferred for better seasoning control.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a rich, velvety sauce with a sharp cheese flavor, freshly grated Parmesan recommended.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and fresh herbal notes, chopped just before serving for maximum brightness.

Parmesan Chicken & Rice One-Pan Steps

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Grab your chicken pieces and coat them generously with a zesty blend of seasonings.

Sprinkle salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and aromatic Italian seasoning all over the chicken, ensuring every inch gets maximum flavor coverage.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan.

Let each side sizzle and transform into a gorgeous golden-brown color, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side.

Once perfectly seared, transfer the chicken to a nearby plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In the same skillet, melt butter until it’s bubbling softly.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté the onions until they become translucent and transparent.

Add garlic and let it dance in the pan for just 30 seconds to release its incredible aroma.

Step 4: Toast the Rice

Add rice directly into the skillet, stirring to coat each grain with the buttery, oniony goodness.

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook Together

Nestle the seared chicken pieces right on top of the rice.

Cover the skillet and let everything cook slowly on low heat for about 20 minutes.

The rice will become tender, and the chicken will cook through perfectly.

Step 6: Create Creamy Magic

Remove the chicken momentarily.

Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.

Blend until the sauce becomes wonderfully smooth and luxurious.

Step 7: Final Assembly

Return the chicken to the skillet, letting it rest on the creamy rice.

Spoon the sauce over the top to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish.

Serve immediately while it’s piping hot and irresistibly delicious.

One-Pan Tricks for Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

• Use freshly ground black pepper and high-quality paprika for deeper, more complex flavor profiles in your chicken.
• Stir rice occasionally during cooking and ensure the skillet's bottom doesn't burn by using a non-stick pan or maintaining medium-low heat.
• Swap chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts or try turkey for a leaner protein option without compromising the dish's creamy texture.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
• Add chopped spinach or frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking to incorporate extra vegetables and increase the dish's nutritional density.

Warming Up Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, where they'll maintain quality for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure consistent warming.

Chicken & Rice One-Pan Go-Withs

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy, rich flavors of the dish, cutting through the richness with its bright, acidic notes.
• Fresh Herb Salad Partner: Toss a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding fresh arugula and basil to contrast the hearty chicken and creamy rice.
• Roasted Vegetable Sidekick: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil, providing a green vegetable element that enhances the main dish's robust profile.
• Crusty Bread Enhancer: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or French bread to soak up the delicious Parmesan cream sauce, adding a delightful textural component to the meal.

Parmesan Chicken & Rice Comforting Variants

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that maintains the dish's creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a plant-based version suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Substitute Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend and add kalamata olives and feta cheese crumbles for a Greek-inspired variation that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to the classic recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chilies, replace paprika with chili powder, and top with fresh cilantro and pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-style chicken and rice dish that packs a flavorful punch.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they’re similar in thickness for even cooking and adjust cooking time to prevent drying out.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

Not entirely. The recipe contains rice, but you can use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure your seasonings are gluten-free to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, use skinless chicken, and add more vegetables like spinach or peas to increase nutritional value.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Most dried herb blends will work well in this recipe as an alternative.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy parmesan chicken & rice delivers comfort straight from Mediterranean kitchens, blending tender chicken with rich, cheesy rice. Hearty ingredients meld seamlessly in a single skillet, promising delicious simplicity you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs, Spices, and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Grains and Liquids:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by generously coating each piece with a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage across the surface.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully placing the seasoned chicken to create a golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the seared chicken to a temporary plate.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce diced onions, sautéing until they become translucent and release their aromatic sweetness. Quickly incorporate minced garlic, stirring for 30 seconds to unlock its intense flavor.
4. Introduce rice to the skillet, gently coating the grains with the fragrant butter and onion mixture. Pour chicken broth over the rice, allowing it to reach a gentle simmer.
5. Nestle the previously seared chicken pieces atop the rice, creating a harmonious one-pan arrangement. Cover the skillet and reduce heat, allowing the rice to become tender and the chicken to cook thoroughly for about 20 minutes.
6. Once cooking is complete, temporarily remove the chicken. Stir heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the rice, creating a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet, delicately coating the pieces with the rich, creamy rice mixture.
8. Finish the dish by scattering chopped fresh parsley over the top, adding a burst of color and fresh herbal notes before serving immediately.

Notes

• Choose chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor that keeps the meat tender during cooking.
• Generously season the chicken with spices to create a robust flavor profile that penetrates the meat deeply.
• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in moisture and develops a delicious crispy exterior.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, diet-friendly alternatives that maintain creamy texture.
• Add frozen peas or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking to boost nutritional value and introduce extra color and freshness.
• Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help rice absorb remaining liquid and chicken redistribute its juices.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg