One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
