If you’re searching for a cozy, ultra-satisfying meal that’s both weeknight-easy and dinner party-worthy, look no further than One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice. This dish brings tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a velvety Parmesan sauce together in a single skillet—making cleanup a breeze and taste buds seriously happy. Bursting with classic Italian-inspired flavors, it’s the ultimate answer to “what’s for dinner?” when you want comfort, convenience, and a touch of elegance all at once.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays a special role—whether adding richness, vibrant color, or a pop of aromatic flavor—that you’ll taste in every bite.

Olive oil: For beautifully searing the chicken and adding depth to the sauce.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The main protein, staying juicy and tender in the creamy sauce.
Salt: Essential for bringing out every ingredient’s natural flavor.
Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and depth without overpowering the dish.
Garlic powder: A classic savory boost that enhances both the chicken and rice.
Yellow onion (diced): Sweetens and rounds out the aromatics, melting beautifully into the sauce.
Garlic (minced): Infuses every forkful with delicious garlicky goodness.
Long grain white rice (uncooked): Cooks up fluffy and tender, soaking in all the flavorful liquids.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a savory base while keeping the dish from becoming too salty.
Heavy cream: Brings a luscious, dreamy texture to the sauce—it’s the secret to true comfort.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, cheesy finish (always use fresh for the best melt and flavor).
Italian seasoning: A classic blend that gives this skillet its crave-worthy herby notes.
Frozen peas (optional): Add color, sweetness, and a little extra veggie power to the final dish.
Chopped fresh parsley: The perfect finishing touch for freshness and a vibrant pop of green.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While that warms up, pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder—this simple step locks in flavor. Once the oil shimmers, lay the chicken breasts in the pan. Sear both sides for 3–4 minutes until beautifully golden brown; we’re just looking for color right now, not to cook them through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep them handy for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet (without wiping it out!), add the diced onion and let it cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and starting to turn translucent. This step lifts all those flavorful browned bits from the pan. Toss in the minced garlic and keep stirring for about a minute—your kitchen will smell amazing. Add the uncooked rice right into the pan, toasting it for just a minute to infuse it with flavor and help it become extra fluffy.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Base

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and creamy heavy cream, stirring to combine everything in the skillet. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning to add warmth and herby complexity. Bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer—watch for tiny bubbles rather than a full boil.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Carefully nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, right on top of the rice mixture. Cover with a lid and simmer over low heat for 20–25 minutes. As it cooks, the rice absorbs the luscious broth and cream, and the chicken finishes cooking right in the same pan. The result? Incredibly tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice all in one simple step.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

After 20–25 minutes, check that the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked all the way through. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and frozen peas (if using), letting them melt and warm for another 2–3 minutes uncovered. The sauce thickens up and the peas add a cheerful pop of color. Finish everything with a shower of chopped fresh parsley. You’ve just created a skillet of One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice that’s creamy, comforting, and totally irresistible.

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Garnishes

Garnishing makes a world of difference—go generous with a handful of fresh parsley and a pinch of extra Parmesan right before bringing your skillet to the table. If you’re feeling fancy, a little sprinkle of lemon zest adds a fantastic zing that wakes up all the flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish is a meal-in-one, but if you’re looking to round it out, serve with a crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, or tender roasted asparagus. Even a warm, crusty baguette is lovely for soaking up any extra creamy Parmesan sauce lingering on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the creamy chicken and rice into wide bowls for cozy, big-hearted servings, or plate a single chicken breast atop a mound of rice for elegant presentation. For a family-style dinner, simply set the whole skillet in the middle of the table and let everyone help themselves—they’ll love the relaxed, inviting feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To save any extra One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice, let the skillet cool to room temperature before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for lunches or a second easy dinner.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dish! For best results, let it cool completely, then pack the chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep its creamy texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the tastiest results.

Reheating

To bring your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice back to life, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen up the sauce. A minute or two in the microwave also works well—just be sure to cover so it stays moist and creamy.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer extra juiciness and flavor, and work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if your pieces are especially large, checking for doneness before serving.

Is there a way to make this lighter?

If you’re hoping to cut down on richness, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half. The end result will still be luxuriously creamy, but with a lighter touch and fewer calories.

What other veggies can I add?

Spinach, mushrooms, or even bell peppers are tasty additions. Just stir them in during the last five minutes of cooking so they heat through while the rice and chicken finish up.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan is best for melting smoothly and providing that nutty, salty kick. Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes clump or not melt as well, but it’ll work in a pinch—just sprinkle a little extra for flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to check with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should hit 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one handy, slice into the thickest part of the breast—it should be opaque and the juices should run clear.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried a comforting, all-in-one skillet dinner before, this is the moment: One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is everything you want in a weeknight meal—fast, foolproof, and deeply satisfying. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this family favorite, and I just know it’ll earn a special spot in your regular dinner rotation!

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are cooked with flavorful rice in a creamy Parmesan sauce, creating a satisfying meal that is easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Rice:

1 small yellow onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear seasoned chicken breasts until golden brown. Set aside.
Cook the Rice: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic, then add rice, broth, cream, and seasoning. Simmer, then return chicken to skillet.
Finish the Dish: Stir in Parmesan cheese and peas, cook until thickened. Garnish with parsley before serving.