One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice: The Ultimate Easy Comfort Meal! 🍗🧀

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Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and insanely delicious one-pan meal, this Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is about to become your new favorite! 🍗✨

Made with juicy chicken, tender rice, and a rich, cheesy Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is the perfect weeknight comfort food. And the best part? It’s all made in ONE pan—which means less mess, fewer dishes, and maximum flavor!

Whether you need a hearty family dinner or just want something warm and satisfying, this one-pan wonder is ready in about 30 minutes and will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. 🙌

Let’s get cooking! 🔥

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Rice:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little spice)
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

  1. In the same pan, add uncooked rice and toast for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  3. Let the rice cook for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 3: Make It Creamy & Cheesy

  1. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and onion powder.
  2. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and mix everything together.
  3. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

  1. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese on top.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal! 🍗🧀

Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

1. Make It Spicy 🔥

  • Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

2. Use Brown Rice 🌾

  • Swap white rice for brown rice (increase cooking time to 30-35 minutes).

3. Add Veggies 🥦

  • Stir in spinach, peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

4. Lighter Version 🥛

  • Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

5. Extra Protein 💪

  • Add cooked bacon or shrimp for a fun twist!

Storage & Reheating

How to Store

  • Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How to Freeze

  • Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat

  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
  • Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed.

FAQs About One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Just stir in shredded rotisserie chicken after the rice is cooked.

2. What’s the best cheese to use?

Parmesan is classic, but Gruyère or white cheddar also work well!

3. Can I use instant rice?

You can, but reduce the chicken broth to 1 ½ cups and cook for 5 minutes instead of 15.

4. How do I keep the rice from sticking?

Make sure to stir occasionally and don’t overheat the pan.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

6. What’s the best pan to use?

A large, deep skillet or Dutch oven works best to cook everything evenly.

7. Can I add mushrooms?

Absolutely! Sauté mushrooms with the chicken for extra flavor.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Use an extra tablespoon of Parmesan cheese or simmer a little longer.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just use a bigger pan and double everything evenly.

10. What should I serve with this?

It’s a one-pan meal, but garlic bread or a side salad pairs perfectly! 🥗🍞

Conclusion

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is the ultimate quick and easy dinner—packed with flavor, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness! Plus, it’s all made in ONE pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Try it tonight and watch it disappear fast! 🍗🧀🔥

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