One-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

When you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and easy-to-make dinner, One-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is the perfect choice. This dish offers tender chicken breasts simmered to perfection with rice in a rich, Parmesan-infused sauce, all made in one skillet for a simple yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding your family or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for You

This recipe is designed for anyone who loves flavorful, creamy dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. If you’re juggling a busy schedule but still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal, this one-pan creamy chicken and rice is ideal. Not only is it easy to prepare, but the cleanup is minimal since everything cooks in one pan. Plus, the combination of creamy Parmesan sauce with juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Ingredients for One-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious meal:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium if preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy sauce, with perfectly tender chicken and rice that’s full of flavor.

this RECIPE

Key Ingredients

The star ingredients in this recipe are the chicken, rice, and Parmesan. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps the dish light, while the rice soaks up the creamy sauce to become irresistibly tender. Long-grain white rice is ideal because it cooks evenly and absorbs the broth and cream for a velvety texture. Parmesan cheese adds a salty richness that balances the other flavors beautifully.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this dish, you only need a few basic kitchen tools:

• A large skillet or sauté pan with a lid (nonstick or cast iron works well)
• A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A sharp knife and cutting board for chopping the onion and garlic

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Prepare the Chicken

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until both sides are golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

3. Toast the Rice

Add 1 cup of long-grain white rice to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to coat the rice grains in the oil and enhance their flavor.

4. Combine Ingredients

Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. Cook Chicken and Rice Together

Once the liquid is simmering, return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer for 20-25 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the broth and cream while the chicken finishes cooking.

6. Finish with Parmesan

After 20-25 minutes, check to ensure the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

7. Serve

Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the chicken and rice directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Searing the chicken first locks in its juices. When simmering, cook on low heat to ensure it stays moist and tender.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan can sometimes be too dry and won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated cheese gives the best texture and flavor.
• Adjust creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly. For a thinner sauce, add a splash more broth or cream before stirring in the Parmesan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not toasting the rice: Skipping this step can result in rice that lacks flavor. Toasting the rice enhances its nutty flavor and ensures it cooks evenly.
• Overcrowding the pan: Make sure your skillet is large enough to fit the chicken and rice without overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
• Forgetting to simmer gently: Cooking on too high a heat can result in the sauce evaporating too quickly before the rice is done.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve the One-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice straight from the skillet for a family-style meal. Use a large spoon to scoop up portions of the creamy rice alongside the chicken breasts. Garnish each plate with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy a tangy contrast to the rich sauce.

Variations and Swaps

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier cut of meat.
• Add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms to the skillet for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano if you want a sharper, more robust cheese flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the skillet to loosen the sauce, and warm over low heat until heated through. Avoid reheating on high heat to prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQ

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and possibly add more broth.
• How can I make this dish less creamy? Reduce the amount of heavy cream and replace it with more chicken broth for a lighter, less creamy dish.
• Can I freeze this dish? While you can freeze the chicken and rice, the cream sauce may separate upon reheating. If freezing, freeze the chicken and rice without the sauce, then add cream when reheating.

conclusion

This One-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe is perfect for anyone craving a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. The tender chicken, creamy rice, and rich Parmesan sauce make it a must-try dish for any night of the week. Try it out and enjoy a meal that’s as comforting as it is simple.

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