Cozy One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Transforming simple ingredients into a creamy Parmesan chicken & rice dish that whispers comfort with every forkful.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions, and this recipe answers that call brilliantly.

Hungry souls will appreciate how minimal cleanup meets maximum flavor in just one pan.

Tender chicken pieces nestled against fluffy rice create a harmony that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate straightforward meals that deliver satisfaction without complicated techniques.

Minimal effort guarantees maximum deliciousness, promising a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your skillet and let’s turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner experience!

Why One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Is A Weeknight Hero

• Effortless One-Pan Magic: Transform your weeknight cooking with this incredibly simple meal that requires minimal cleanup, letting you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying dinner.
• Creamy Comfort in Every Bite: Experience a luxurious blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and rich Parmesan cheese that creates a velvety, indulgent texture guaranteed to satisfy comfort food cravings.
• Nutritious and Flexible Feast: Pack in protein from chicken, add optional spinach for extra nutrients, and easily customize with your favorite herbs or additional vegetables to suit your family's taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Ready in under 45 minutes, this complete meal offers a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and flavor that makes dinnertime stress-free and delicious for busy households.

What Goes Into Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein that creates the main body of the dish, best when boneless and skinless.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich and salty cheese that adds depth and creamy texture to the recipe.

• White Rice: Classic grain that absorbs flavors and provides hearty base for the dish, long-grain variety works best.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that create delicious savory base, fresh ingredients recommended.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances overall chicken flavor, low-sodium options good for controlling salt.
• Heavy Cream: Creates rich and smooth sauce, helps bind ingredients together.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance natural flavors of chicken and rice.
• Italian Seasoning: Pre-mixed herb blend that adds classic Mediterranean flavor profile.

• Fresh Spinach: Adds nutritional green element and subtle earthy taste, optional but recommended.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that provides fresh color and light herbal note.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing sticking, helps develop golden color on chicken.

Quick Steps To Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian herbs

Cook the chicken until it turns golden and looks crispy, flipping once to ensure even cooking. Once done, transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

In the same sizzling skillet, toss in diced onions. Let them dance and soften for a few moments. Add minced garlic and stir quickly to release its magical fragrance.

Step 3: Transform Rice Into Creamy Delight

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir everything together and let the mixture start bubbling gently.

Step 4: Melt and Merge Ingredients

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, watching it melt into a luxurious sauce. Carefully place the cooked chicken on top of the rice. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer slowly.

Step 5: Final Green Touch

In the last few cooking moments, fold in fresh spinach. Let it wilt and blend with the creamy rice. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for extra freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your one-pan wonder!

Tips To Nail Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Every Time

• Perfectly Sear Chicken: Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to get a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Rice Absorption Trick: Let the rice simmer slowly to absorb all the creamy liquid, creating a rich and luxurious texture that's neither too dry nor too soggy.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Add Parmesan cheese gradually and stir continuously to ensure smooth melting and prevent clumping.
• Vegetable Swap Technique: Replace spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for different nutritional profiles and exciting flavor variations.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Cook the entire dish in advance and reheat gently with a splash of extra chicken broth to maintain its creamy consistency.

How To Store And Reheat Chicken & Rice Without Losing Creaminess

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken and rice will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Carefully transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you label with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave Reheating: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and heat for 5-7 minutes until thoroughly warmed.

Perfect Pairings With Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chardonnay or sauvignon blanc cuts through the creamy richness of the dish, balancing its parmesan and heavy cream flavors with bright, refreshing notes.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty contrast to the hearty chicken and rice, adding freshness and cutting through the dish's creaminess.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Side: Garlic-roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts bring a caramelized, slightly charred element that enhances the savory chicken and complements the parmesan's depth.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: A warm, rustic baguette or sourdough slice helps soak up the delicious creamy sauce, making every bite even more satisfying and indulgent.

Tasty Variations On One-Pan Chicken & Rice

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Rice: Swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Add diced jalapeños and top with fresh cilantro. Incorporate black beans and corn for extra southwestern flair.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pilaf: Replace Italian seasoning with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Use feta cheese instead of Parmesan. Add kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for authentic Mediterranean flavors.
• Mushroom Chicken Risotto Style: Sauté sliced cremini or wild mushrooms with onions before adding rice. Use arborio rice for a creamier texture. Finish with a splash of white wine and extra Parmesan for rich, earthy notes.
• Coconut Curry Chicken Rice: Substitute chicken broth with coconut milk. Add yellow curry powder and ginger to the seasoning mix. Include diced bell peppers and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired version.

FAQs About Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Add about 1/2 cup extra broth and increase simmering time to 40-45 minutes to ensure the rice becomes tender.

• Is it okay to substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk as alternatives. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still creamy and delicious. Just keep the same measurement in the recipe.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a quick blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. If you’re missing some herbs, use what you have – the key is maintaining a similar herbal flavor profile that complements the chicken.

• Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts or thighs?

Both work perfectly! Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs have more flavor and moisture. Just ensure whichever cut you choose is cooked to the proper internal temperature of 165°F.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice dish that brings Italian-inspired flavors to your dinner table. Hearty chicken nestled in rich, cheesy rice promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquid and Produce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Initiate the protein preparation by seasoning chicken pieces with a blend of salt, pepper, and aromatic Italian herbs. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil, developing a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a temporary plate.
2. Utilize the same skillet to soften diced onions, creating a translucent base. Introduce minced garlic and allow its fragrant essence to permeate the cooking surface, releasing deep, rich flavors.
3. Incorporate uncooked rice into the aromatic onion-garlic foundation, gently coating each grain with the flavorful mixture. Carefully pour chicken broth and luxurious heavy cream, creating a harmonious liquid foundation for the rice to absorb.
4. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid, stirring to create a creamy, cohesive sauce. Nestle the previously seared chicken pieces atop the rice mixture, then cover and reduce heat to allow gentle, slow cooking.
5. Allow the rice to tenderly absorb the creamy liquid, developing a rich, comforting texture. During the final moments of cooking, delicately fold fresh spinach leaves into the dish, wilting them slightly. Finish with a scattered garnish of fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous touch before serving.

Notes

• Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Seasoning Boost: Create a more intense flavor profile by marinating chicken in Italian seasoning and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Rice Perfection: Rinse rice beforehand to remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier and less sticky grains during the one-pan cooking process.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture and rich taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg