Irresistible One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Crafting a delectable one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice becomes a culinary adventure for home cooks seeking simplicity and flavor.

Busy weeknight meal solutions often feel like a puzzle, but this recipe breaks through those challenges.

Comfort meets convenience in a single skillet that promises minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Layers of tender chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and rich parmesan create a harmonious blend that feels like a warm embrace.

creamy textures and savory notes dance together, making each bite a delightful experience.

Weeknight dinner magic happens when you combine quality ingredients with smart cooking techniques.

Hungry for a meal that impresses without complicated steps?

This recipe is your delicious solution.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Breakdown

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, transforming dinner into a hands-off culinary adventure with minimal kitchen cleanup.
• Fusion Flavor Explosion: Combine classic taco and spaghetti elements for a crowd-pleasing dish that brings exciting Mexican-Italian fusion to your family dinner table.
• Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Packed with cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, this one-pot wonder will have children and adults alike asking for seconds, making mealtime a delightful experience.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this recipe adapts easily to different dietary preferences by swapping proteins or adding extra toppings.

Ingredients For Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that serves as the main protein of the dish.

• White Rice: A classic starch that absorbs flavors and creates a creamy base for the chicken.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps create a creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and helps bind the sauce.

• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the rice.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and preventing sticking.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Provide essential flavor and seasoning for the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds herbal complexity to the dish.

• Spinach: Introduces a fresh, green element and extra nutrition to the meal.

Step-By-Step Preparation Of Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a perfect base for your culinary adventure.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Ensuring each piece is well-seasoned and ready to sizzle.

Step 3: Sear the Protein

Carefully place chicken into the hot skillet, cooking until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, then gently transfer the chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Rice Foundation

• Rice
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir everything together, creating a luxurious base for your one-pan masterpiece.

Step 5: Simmer and Soften

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat.

Cover the skillet and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until the rice starts to become tender.

Step 6: Add Flavor Boosters

• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Spinach (optional)

These ingredients will elevate the dish with rich, comforting flavors.

Step 7: Reunite the Chicken

Carefully nestle the seared chicken back into the rice mixture. Cover and continue cooking for 5-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and the rice reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 8: Plate and Celebrate

Serve the one-pan wonder piping hot, ready to delight taste buds and satisfy hunger with minimal cleanup.

Helpful Notes For Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear and lock in moisture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer flavor and smoother melting compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, adjusting liquid quantities accordingly.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms during the rice cooking stage for increased nutrition and variety.

Flavorful Variants Of Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace Italian seasoning with oregano and add diced kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Incorporate diced green chiles, cumin, and swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern version.
• Mushroom Comfort: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms before adding rice and include thyme for an earthy, rich alternative that enhances the dish's depth.
• Lemon Herb Elevation: Add fresh lemon zest, chopped fresh basil, and substitute part of the chicken broth with white wine for a bright, aromatic variation.

Suggested Sides For Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Serve the one-pan chicken and rice directly from the skillet for a cozy, homestyle meal. Place the hot skillet on a wooden cutting board with fresh herbs sprinkled on top.
• Transfer the creamy rice to a white serving platter, carefully arrange golden-brown chicken breasts on top. Garnish with chopped parsley and freshly cracked black pepper for a sophisticated touch.
• Portion the chicken and rice into meal prep containers with tight-fitting lids. Pack individual servings with a small side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced, easy-to-transport lunch option.

Storage Methods For Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Transfer leftover chicken and rice to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is clean and cool before placing the dish inside.
• Portion the meal into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Seal completely and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date of preparation.
• Warm refrigerated leftovers in microwave, covering with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and restore creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs. They’ll add more flavor and remain juicy, but adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might cook faster than breasts.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always check ingredient labels to confirm.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce during cooking to increase heat level. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference.

• Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

You can season the chicken and measure ingredients in advance. However, for best results, cook the dish just before serving to maintain rice texture and chicken’s crispy exterior.

One-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice offers a delightful culinary journey through hearty flavors. Home cooks can savor this simple yet satisfying meal that brings warmth and convenience to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (0.5 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (2 tbsps) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) Italian seasoning
• 1 cup baby spinach
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, preparing for a flavorful culinary journey.
2. Generously coat chicken breasts with a robust blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring even seasoning.
3. Sear chicken pieces until achieving a golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, creating a delectable crust. Transfer to a temporary plate.
4. Utilize the same skillet to combine uncooked rice, rich chicken broth, and velvety heavy cream, creating a luxurious base.
5. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let the rice absorb flavors for 15 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
6. Enhance the dish by incorporating freshly grated Parmesan cheese, aromatic Italian seasoning, and vibrant spinach, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
7. Carefully reintroduce the seared chicken, nestling pieces into the creamy rice mixture. Cover and continue cooking for 5-10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and rice becomes perfectly tender.
8. Plate immediately while piping hot, allowing the creamy textures and rich flavors to shine.

Notes

• Opt for chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Consider adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 555 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg