Name: One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 large onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced (approximately 3 tsp); 2 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 2½ cups chicken broth; 1 cup long-grain white rice; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: Chopped parsley, for garnish

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If you’re like me, you’re always on the hunt for a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and quick to pull together. That’s exactly where this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice shines! It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy weeknights when time is short, but you’re still craving something cozy and delicious.

With tender bites of chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a creamy Parmesan sauce to tie it all together, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Oh, and did I mention it all happens in one pan? Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your evening (or maybe even go back for seconds!).

Let’s get started, shall we?

What You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need for this dreamy dinner:

Chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized cubes so they cook quickly and evenly.
Unsalted butter: Because every great recipe starts with butter, right?
Onion and garlic: These two are the aromatic duo that bring the dish to life.
Italian seasoning: For that extra pop of flavor.
Long-grain white rice: Perfect for soaking up all the creamy goodness.
Chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese: The trifecta that makes this dish impossibly rich and satisfying.
Optional parsley: A little fresh garnish goes a long way!

Let’s Get Cooking

Step 1: Prepare the Skillet

Start by heating up a large skillet over medium-high heat. I like to use a deep skillet or sauté pan for this recipe because it gives everything room to cook evenly. Once the skillet is hot, melt the butter, letting it coat the pan. That golden sheen is the foundation of all the goodness to come.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Next up, toss in your diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns soft and translucent. Trust me, this step makes your kitchen smell amazing and sets the stage for all the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Once your onions are looking nice and soft, it’s time to add the chicken. Season it with Italian seasoning, salt, and a bit of black pepper. Stir frequently as the chicken cooks, ensuring each piece gets beautifully golden on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the Garlic

Garlic always gets its own moment in the spotlight, and for good reason! Stir in your minced garlic and let it cook for just one minute. You don’t want to rush this step—it’s where that deep, aromatic magic happens.

Bringing It All Together

We’re halfway through crafting this delicious One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice, and I hope your kitchen already smells as amazing as mine does when I make this dish. With the chicken sizzling and the garlic adding its irresistible aroma, let’s dive into the next steps to finish up this cozy, comforting meal.

Step 5: Add Broth and Rice

Now that your chicken and aromatics are perfectly cooked, it’s time to bring in the rice. Pour the chicken broth and rice directly into the skillet. Give everything a good stir to ensure the rice is evenly distributed. This is where all the magic starts happening.

Pro Tip:

For best results, use long-grain white rice. It cooks evenly and absorbs all those wonderful flavors without becoming mushy. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with other varieties like jasmine or basmati rice—just note that cooking times may vary.

Step 6: Simmer Away

Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the dish simmer gently for 17-20 minutes. This is when the rice cooks to tender perfection, soaking up the flavorful broth along the way.

While you wait, give the pan a quick peek every now and then to make sure the liquid isn’t evaporating too quickly. If it looks a little dry, feel free to add a splash of water or more broth to keep things on track.

Step 7: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Here comes the star of the show: the creamy Parmesan sauce. Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Why Freshly Grated Parmesan?

Using freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference here. Pre-grated cheese often has additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. For a creamy, velvety sauce, grab a block of Parmesan and a grater—you won’t regret it.

Stir everything together until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is beautifully creamy. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

And just like that, your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is ready to serve! If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a bit of chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Tips for Success

Keep It Low and Slow
When simmering the rice, make sure the heat is low enough to prevent burning but steady enough to cook the rice thoroughly. A low simmer is your best friend.
Don’t Rush the Cream and Cheese
When adding the heavy cream and Parmesan, take your time stirring them in. This ensures the sauce turns out smooth and creamy, without any clumps.
Double the Batch for Meal Prep
This dish reheats like a dream, making it perfect for meal prepping. Just store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and you’ll have a hearty lunch or dinner ready to go.

Variations to Try

While the recipe is already fantastic as-is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Add Veggies: Stir in some spinach or frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking for a pop of color and added nutrients.
Kick Up the Heat: Love spice? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
Swap the Protein: While chicken is classic, this recipe works beautifully with shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.

FAQ and Wrapping It Up

You’ve made it to the final part of this journey with One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice. By now, you’re probably imagining yourself digging into a warm, comforting bowl of this dish. But before you grab your fork, let’s cover a few common questions and finish with some final tips to make this recipe even more foolproof.

FAQ: Your Questions, Answered

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may require additional broth. Adjust the cooking time to about 35-40 minutes, and check periodically to ensure the rice is tender.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free chicken broth. Always double-check the labels on your broth to be sure.

3. Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk. While the sauce may not be quite as creamy, it will still taste delicious.

4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as it warms up. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, the cream with coconut milk, and the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan. The flavors will be slightly different, but still tasty.

6. How do I keep the rice from sticking to the pan?
Using a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron pan can help prevent sticking. Also, make sure to stir the dish occasionally while it simmers.

7. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave with a little extra broth to restore its creamy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a reason this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice has earned its spot as a go-to meal in my kitchen. It’s simple, hearty, and versatile enough to suit almost any taste. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, trying to meal prep, or just looking for something quick and satisfying, this recipe has you covered.

It’s also one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually did—a true win-win in my book!

Conclusion: Time to Dig In

There you have it: a one-pan dinner that’s rich, creamy, and downright irresistible. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, like a cozy hug in a bowl.

I’d love to hear how your dish turned out! Did you try any fun variations, or do you have a tip that made it even easier? Leave a comment and let me know. And don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—it’s too good to keep to yourself!