There's nothing quite like the comfort of a creamy, hearty meal that only requires one pan to make. This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is the ultimate family-friendly dinner – packed with tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a luscious Parmesan sauce.

I discovered this gem on a busy weeknight when the thought of washing multiple dishes felt overwhelming. One bite and it instantly became a staple in our household. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s a lifesaver for anyone juggling a packed schedule.
Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.
Why You'll Love This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
Get ready to add this recipe to your weekly rotation. It's fast, delicious, and unbelievably satisfying – perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food without the fuss.
First off, this dish is a true time-saver. With everything cooked in a single pan, you’ll spend less time scrubbing pots and more time enjoying dinner with your family. The whole meal is ready in just under 40 minutes, making it ideal for hectic evenings.
It’s also a crowd-pleaser. The creamy Parmesan sauce is rich without being overpowering, and the tender chicken paired with fluffy rice makes for a balanced, filling meal that even picky eaters will love.
Budget-conscious? This recipe shines with affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients like chicken thighs, rice, and Parmesan cheese. No fancy ingredients required!
Lastly, it’s endlessly versatile. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have in the fridge – making it perfect for clearing out leftovers or customizing to suit your taste.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one contributes to the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making this recipe a must-try. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness. They cook evenly and stay juicy throughout. If you prefer, chicken breasts or even shredded rotisserie chicken work well, too.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice is the go-to for this recipe. It cooks to a fluffy texture and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. Avoid using instant rice, as it won’t hold up well during cooking.
- Parmesan Cheese: The star of the dish! Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated Parmesan can work, but it might not melt as smoothly into the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: A base of low-sodium chicken broth adds depth and prevents the dish from being too salty. You can also use vegetable broth if needed.
- Heavy Cream: This creates the rich, creamy sauce that ties everything together. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly less decadent.
Lastly, you’ll need a large skillet with a lid to cook everything in one pan. This ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
How To Make This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Making this dish is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these simple steps to create a dinner everyone will rave about.
Start by searing the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder, then place them in the pan. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside – it’ll finish cooking later.
Next, sauté your aromatics. In the same pan, add diced onions and minced garlic, letting them cook in the flavorful drippings from the chicken. Stir frequently until the onions are soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the rice and liquids. Stir in your long-grain rice, ensuring it’s evenly coated in the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and a splash of heavy cream, then bring everything to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice.
Cover and cook. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything cook for 20 minutes. The rice will absorb the broth and cream, creating a rich, flavorful base. Check occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
Finally, finish with Parmesan. Once the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top. Stir gently until the cheese melts into the creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage Options
This dish is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. You can also microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some creative ideas to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice. Add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking, as it doesn’t require as much time to soften.
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrition.
- Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is the classic choice, you can experiment with Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a sharp white cheddar for a twist on the flavor.
Don’t be afraid to experiment – this dish is forgiving and can handle plenty of tweaks while staying delicious.
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to grab your skillet and start cooking. This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection. Enjoy the simplicity, savor the flavor, and share the love!
PrintOne-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe combines tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked rice in a single skillet. Perfect for a quick and hearty weeknight dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in uncooked rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, return chicken to the skillet, and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine while cooking the rice.
- Adjust creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with rice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
Leave a Reply