If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s equal parts comforting and easy to make, this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is here to save the day! With juicy, seared chicken, creamy rice infused with Parmesan cheese, and minimal cleanup, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This dish is all about simplicity, flavor, and making everyone at the table ask for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan = minimal cleanup.
- Packed with rich, creamy flavors that feel like a warm hug.
- Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Family-friendly and easy to customize with your favorite veggies or seasonings.
Ingredients for One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Rice and Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup fresh spinach or peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside (chicken won’t be fully cooked yet).
2. Sauté Aromatics
- In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
3. Cook the Rice
- Stir the uncooked rice into the pan, coating it with the butter and aromatics.
- Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Add the Chicken Back
- Nestle the seared chicken into the rice mixture, making sure it’s partially submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
5. Finish with Parmesan
- Once cooked, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the rice and stir gently to combine. If desired, add fresh spinach or peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 generous portions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations for One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add Veggies: Stir in broccoli, green beans, or diced carrots when adding the liquid to cook with the rice.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella or Asiago cheese for an extra cheesy, indulgent dish.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to give the dish a little heat.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of broth or milk to keep the rice creamy.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally, and adding liquid as needed to restore the creamy consistency.
Pro Tip: Avoid freezing this dish as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.
10 FAQs About One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts as brown rice takes longer to cook.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch can work, but the sauce will be less rich.
3. Do I need to pre-cook the chicken?
No, searing the chicken is enough, as it will finish cooking in the pan with the rice.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
5. Can I add more protein?
Feel free to add cooked sausage, shrimp, or even crispy bacon for an extra protein boost.
6. How can I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to use a good-quality non-stick or stainless steel pan and stir the rice occasionally during cooking.
7. What’s the best type of rice to use?
Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe as it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors well.
8. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, add pre-cooked chicken to the dish during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to heat through.
9. What’s the ideal pan size for this recipe?
A large, deep skillet with a lid (at least 12 inches in diameter) works perfectly.
10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cook it as directed, cool completely, and store. Reheat before serving with a splash of broth or milk to refresh the creamy texture.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is the ultimate combination of convenience, flavor, and comfort. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress on any occasion. Plus, the one-pan preparation makes cleanup a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy this delicious meal with your loved ones.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for an easy dinner idea, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Ready to try it? Let us know how it turns out!