Irresistible One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Culinary magic happens when one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice mingles deliciously on your dinner plate.

Comfort meets convenience in this simple yet spectacular dish.

Home cooks adore meals that minimize cleanup while maximizing flavor.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly alongside fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory depth that makes every bite memorable.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this foolproof recipe.

Dig in and savor a meal that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice That Shines

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Tackle dinner with this single-pan marvel that eliminates multiple dish cleanup, saving precious energy after a long day.
• Customize with Ease: Swap peas for your favorite vegetables or add extra spices to match your family's taste preferences, making it a flexible meal solution.
• Quick Comfort Food: Create a creamy, satisfying dish packed with protein and rich flavors that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy households.
• Family-Friendly Fusion: Combine tender chicken, creamy rice, and classic seasonings that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a delicious meal.

Ingredients for One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Chicken: Tender cubes of chicken that form the protein base of this one-pan meal.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: Aromatic spice blend that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the chicken and complement other ingredients.

• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken and creating a flavorful foundation for the dish.
• Minced Garlic: Adds a rich, intense flavor that deepens the overall taste of the recipe.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and adds depth of flavor to the rice and chicken.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture and richness to the one-pan meal.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor that brings the dish together.
• Peas: Optional vegetable that provides a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds a fresh herbal note to the finished dish.

• Uncooked Rice: Serves as the hearty base that absorbs the flavorful liquids and completes the one-pan meal.

How to Cook One-Pan Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, letting the aromatic flavors bloom and infuse the chicken.

Step 3: Create Creamy Rice Base

• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender and absorbs the liquid.

Step 4: Elevate with Cheese and Greens

Stir in Parmesan cheese and peas (if desired) until everything is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for a perfect flavor balance.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the one-pan wonder piping hot, straight from the skillet to the plate.

Tips for Perfect Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs to ensure even cooking and tender meat.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the dish.
• Add extra vegetables like diced carrots or spinach to boost nutrition and create a more colorful meal.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free and double-check all seasoning ingredients.

Flavor Variations on Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free version.
• Mediterranean Herb Swap: Substitute Italian seasoning with za'atar and add diced bell peppers for a Middle Eastern-inspired variation.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace rice with riced cauliflower and use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a keto-friendly option.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and mix in black beans for a zesty southwestern take on the dish.

Pairings that Go Well with Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Cozy Comfort Plate: Serve this hearty dish in deep ceramic bowls that showcase the creamy texture and golden chicken pieces, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
• Gourmet Weeknight Feast: Pair with a crisp side salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy chicken and rice, creating a restaurant-style meal at home.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for easy lunch options, maintaining the dish's delicious flavor and creamy consistency when reheated.
• Elegant Dinner Party Style: Garnish with extra fresh parsley, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese, and serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for an impressive presentation.

Best Storage for One-Pan Parmesan Chicken and Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer the chicken and rice to a sealed glass or plastic container, ensuring it's completely cooled before refrigerating.
• Separate the dish into individual portions for easier reheating and to maintain food quality.
• Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn if storing in the freezer.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase liquid and cooking time. Brown rice needs more water and about 45-50 minutes to cook properly.

• Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or dairy-free cream alternative. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for similar flavor.

• What protein alternatives work well in this recipe?

You can swap chicken with diced turkey, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly for different proteins.

• How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Use long-grain white rice and avoid stirring too much during cooking. Keep the lid on and maintain low, steady heat for perfectly cooked rice.

Quick One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Parmesan chicken & rice delivers comfort on a single skillet with minimal cleanup. Creamy textures and rich flavors combine effortlessly, ensuring you savor each delightful bite without complicated preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cubes)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Cooking Base and Dairy:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium heat, drizzling olive oil across the surface for even coating.
2. Introduce chicken cubes into the skillet, generously seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, allowing them to develop a golden-brown exterior through careful sautéing.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and let it release its aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
4. Pour uncooked rice, chicken broth, and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a harmonious liquid mixture that will transform into a creamy base.
5. Elevate heat momentarily to trigger a gentle boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low, covering the skillet to trap moisture and steam.
6. Allow the mixture to simmer quietly for 18-20 minutes, monitoring rice tenderness and liquid absorption, ensuring a perfectly cooked consistency.
7. Gently fold in Parmesan cheese and optional green peas, stirring until ingredients are thoroughly integrated and cheese melts smoothly.
8. Taste and fine-tune seasoning, adding salt or pepper as needed to enhance overall flavor profile.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a vibrant finishing touch, then serve piping hot directly from the skillet.

Notes

• Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, rich texture of the original dish.
• Reduce heavy cream by half and replace with Greek yogurt to lower fat content while keeping the sauce luxuriously smooth.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and a nuttier flavor profile, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly.
• Add a splash of white wine during garlic sautéing to enhance the depth of flavor and create a more complex taste experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 562 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg