One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that combines tender chicken breasts with rich, flavorful rice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this creamy dish comes together in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.

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

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the rice to the skillet and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, cover tightly with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Step 6: Remove the lid and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic and onion.
• Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• Add vegetables like peas or spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly and check for doneness before serving.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 150 reviews

A comforting one-pan meal featuring tender, golden-browned chicken breasts simmered in a creamy Parmesan-infused sauce with perfectly cooked rice, all made in a single skillet for easy cleanup and rich flavor.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Rice & Sauce

• 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

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent, incorporating the flavorful browned bits left from the chicken.
3. Toast the Rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the skillet with the aromatics. Stir frequently and toast the rice for 2-3 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
4. Combine Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook Chicken and Rice: Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is thoroughly cooked through.
6. Finish with Parmesan: Remove the lid and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely into the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
7. Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a touch of freshness and color.

Notes

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic and onions.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Make sure the skillet is tightly covered during simmering to ensure even cooking of rice.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

Keywords: chicken and rice, creamy chicken, one-pan meal, Parmesan chicken, easy dinner recipe