Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Convenience – Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Rich and Creamy – A luscious sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese coats every bite.
- Customizable – Easily swap proteins, vegetables, or grains to fit your preferences.
- Quick and Satisfying – Ready in about 40 minutes, making it ideal for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 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)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken – Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and brown on both sides until golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics – In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Toast the Rice – Add rice to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Combine Ingredients – Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook Chicken and Rice – Return chicken to the skillet, cover tightly, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish with Parmesan – Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve – Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option – Swap the chicken for mushrooms or tofu.
- Low-Carb Version – Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
- Add Vegetables – Try adding spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Herb Variations – Experiment with thyme, rosemary, or basil for different flavors.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating – Reheat in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture, or warm in a covered skillet over low heat.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat before serving, though the texture of the rice may change slightly.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
What other cheeses can I use instead of Parmesan?
Try Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, peas, or bell peppers work well in this recipe.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Ensure the pan is covered tightly and avoid overcooking. Stick to the correct rice-to-liquid ratio.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and may provide a juicier result.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
Add a little more chicken broth or cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chicken broth is gluten-free, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How can I add more flavor to the dish?
Use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil. You can also deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth and cream.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Its simplicity, rich taste, and easy cleanup make it an excellent choice for any night of the week. Feel free to customize it to your liking and enjoy a cozy, comforting meal in just 40 minutes!
One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice recipe. This dish combines tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, all prepared in a single pan for easy cleanup. Bursting with flavor and simplicity, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and brown on both sides until golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Toast the Rice: Add rice to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook Chicken and Rice: Return chicken to the skillet, cover tightly, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is covered tightly to cook the rice evenly.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
