One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is the perfect recipe for anyone seeking a comforting, hearty meal with minimal fuss. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts with creamy, savory rice infused with Parmesan cheese and aromatic flavors, all in a single pan. Using just one skillet means you won’t have to worry about a sink full of dishes, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying meal without extensive cleanup.

This recipe’s appeal lies in its simplicity. With a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal right at home. The combination of rich cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan creates a decadent base that perfectly complements the rice and chicken. It’s also a versatile recipe, allowing for ingredient swaps or additional veggies to suit your taste. Perfect for novice and seasoned cooks alike, this one-pan chicken and rice dish offers a delicious, comforting meal that will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients Breakdown

Each ingredient in this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe plays a vital role in creating the rich flavors and satisfying texture of the final dish. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish as they cook evenly and quickly, remaining tender and juicy. Their mild flavor allows them to soak up the savory cream and Parmesan sauce beautifully.
Long-Grain White Rice: Long-grain rice is the perfect choice for this recipe because it cooks to a tender but non-sticky texture, which works well in one-pan dishes. The rice absorbs the flavors of the broth and cream, becoming deliciously infused with Parmesan.
Chicken Broth and Heavy Cream: These two liquids work together to form a creamy, flavorful sauce. The chicken broth provides depth, while the heavy cream adds a velvety, rich texture. Together, they make a sauce that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan enhances the creamy texture and adds a savory, slightly nutty flavor that elevates the dish’s taste profile. It melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, luxurious finish.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build the flavor foundation of the dish. Sautéing them at the beginning adds a fragrant, savory base that complements the cream and cheese.
Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Fresh Parsley: Olive oil helps brown the chicken and toast the rice, while salt and pepper season the dish perfectly. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness as a garnish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken

Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This initial seasoning enhances the flavor of the chicken and infuses the dish as it cooks.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
Brown each side for about 4-5 minutes, creating a golden, flavorful crust. This step locks in the juices, ensuring the chicken stays tender. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside for later.

2. Sautéing the Aromatics

Using the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir frequently over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
The goal is to cook the onion until translucent and the garlic until fragrant. This step helps build a flavorful base by releasing the natural sweetness of the onion and the aroma of the garlic.
If needed, add a bit more olive oil to prevent sticking, and avoid browning the garlic, as it can become bitter.

3. Toasting the Rice

Add the long-grain white rice to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir frequently, allowing the rice to coat in the oil and gently toast for 2-3 minutes.
Toasting the rice helps develop a slightly nutty flavor and prevents the grains from becoming overly soft or mushy.
Keep an eye on the rice, stirring consistently to ensure even toasting without burning.

4. Combining Liquids

Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine thoroughly. This combination creates a creamy base that the rice and chicken will absorb as they cook.
It’s important to bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, which allows the liquids to begin infusing with the flavors of the rice, onion, and garlic.
Avoid bringing the mixture to a rapid boil, as this could cause the cream to separate, resulting in a less smooth texture.

5. Cooking the Chicken and Rice Together

Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. The chicken should be partially submerged in the liquid to cook evenly.
Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid to retain moisture, then reduce the heat to low. Let the dish simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Check periodically to ensure the liquid is not fully absorbed too quickly. If it’s drying out, add a small amount of additional broth.
Avoid removing the lid frequently, as this releases steam and can prolong cooking time. The gentle simmering will allow the rice to absorb the flavors from the chicken and sauce, creating a unified dish with every bite.

6. Finishing with Parmesan

Once the chicken and rice are fully cooked, sprinkle in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently to combine. The Parmesan will melt into the cream sauce, adding depth and thickness.
Stir carefully to ensure the cheese doesn’t clump, and check the seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if needed, adjusting to taste.
Parmesan adds a final layer of richness, making the sauce creamy and luxurious.

7. Serving Tips

For a beautiful presentation, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. The bright green color of the parsley adds visual appeal and a fresh pop of flavor.
Serve the dish hot, directly from the skillet, for a cozy, family-style experience.
Pair with a light side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

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