One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Introduction

If you’re searching for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice. This dish is the epitome of cozy, home-cooked goodness, combining tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and creamy rice all cooked to perfection in one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe brings together everything you love in a meal—comfort, simplicity, and mouthwatering taste.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will ensure that the chicken is flavorful throughout.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
2. Remove and Set Aside: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

1. Sauté the Rice: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the rice for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted. This step adds a nutty flavor to the rice.
2. Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Add Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Rice

1. Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the rice mixture. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly distributed.
2. Simmer Until Cooked: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken and rice simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the mixture is creamy and thickened.

Step 5: Add Peas and Finish

1. Add Peas (Optional): If you’re using peas, stir them into the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking. They’ll add a pop of color and sweetness to the dish.
2. Garnish and Serve: Once the dish is cooked through, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Sides

• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for an extra dose of comfort and to help soak up any remaining creamy sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or asparagus make great sides that balance the creaminess of the dish.

Drink Pairing

• White Wine: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Iced Tea: For a non-alcoholic option, a glass of iced tea with lemon is refreshing and cuts through the richness of the dish.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Rice

• Long-Grain White Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe as it cooks up fluffy and absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.

Achieving Creamy Perfection

• Consistent Stirring: Stir the rice occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking.
• Adjusting Consistency: If the mixture becomes too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Customizing the Recipe

• Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Using Different Cheese: Swap out Parmesan for another hard cheese like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a slightly different flavor profile.

Variations to Try

Spicy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

• Add Heat: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce for a spicy twist.

Herbaceous Chicken and Rice

• Fresh Herbs: Add a variety of fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano for a fragrant and herbaceous flavor.

Mushroom Parmesan Chicken and Rice

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the chicken for a deliciously earthy variation of this dish.

Conclusion

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, offering a deliciously creamy and satisfying meal that’s incredibly easy to make. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich Parmesan sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers on flavor and comfort every time.

FAQs

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time and may need additional liquid.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can make it ahead and reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to revive the creaminess.

Can I Freeze Leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less creamy.

How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free chicken broth. Always double-check ingredient labels to be sure.

Yield: 4

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Print

If you’re searching for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice. This dish is the epitome of cozy, home-cooked goodness, combining tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and creamy rice all cooked to perfection in one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe brings together everything you love in a meal—comfort, simplicity, and mouthwatering taste.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:
   Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will finish cooking with the rice. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
   
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
   In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
   
4. Cook the Rice:
   Add the uncooked rice to the pan and stir to coat it in the oil and onion mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and dried thyme (if using). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
   
5. Combine and Cook:
   Return the chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the rice mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
   
6. Add Parmesan and Spinach:
   Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach (if using). Allow the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt into the sauce.
   
7. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the chicken and rice hot.

Notes

Rice: Long-grain white rice works best in this recipe, but you can use other types of rice like jasmine or basmati. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Cheese: For extra flavor, you can mix in other types of cheese like mozzarella or Gruyère along with the Parmesan.

Spinach: Adding spinach is optional, but it adds a nice touch of color and nutrition to the dish. You can also substitute with kale or arugula.

One-Pan Tip: Make sure to use a large enough pan with a lid to accommodate all the ingredients. A deep skillet or sauté pan works well.

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if the dish becomes too thick.