One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken And Rice Recipe

This One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice recipe is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and a rich Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish is cooked entirely in one pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal Cleanup: Everything is cooked in a single pan, making it a stress-free meal.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with straightforward steps.
• Family-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
• Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. Cook the Onion: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

1. Add the Rice: Stir the uncooked rice into the pan, coating it in the butter and aromatics. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the rice slightly, which enhances its flavor.

Step 4: Simmer the Rice

1. Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Nestle the Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the pan, placing it on top of the rice. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
3. Cook: Let everything simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Finish

1. Stir in Parmesan: Remove the chicken from the pan again. Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the rice mixture until melted and creamy.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or paprika as needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Plate the Dish: Place the chicken on top of the creamy Parmesan rice.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Variations

1. Vegetable Additions

• Add peas, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrition. Stir them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

2. Cheese Options

• Swap Parmesan with Gruyere or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.

3. Herb-Infused

• Add dried Italian herbs or fresh thyme for an aromatic boost.

Tips for Success

1. Even Cooking: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
2. Rice Texture: Use long-grain white rice for a creamy yet fluffy texture. Avoid instant rice, as it may become mushy.
3. Searing for Flavor: Don’t skip searing the chicken—it locks in flavor and adds a golden crust.
4. Avoid Overcooking: Check the rice and chicken periodically to prevent them from becoming dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes! Reheat the dish gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.

Q: Can I use brown rice?

A: Brown rice is an option but will require additional cooking time and liquid.

Q: How can I make this dish lighter?

A: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese slightly.

Why This Recipe Works

This One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice combines the rich flavors of Parmesan cheese, the tender texture of perfectly cooked chicken, and the satisfying heartiness of creamy rice. By cooking everything in one pan, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s both simple and sophisticated.

Yield: 6

One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken And Rice Recipe

Print

This One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice recipe is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and a rich Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish is cooked entirely in one pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• For the Rice:
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
• Garnish:
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:
   Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   
2. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside (it won’t be fully cooked yet).
   
3. Sauté Aromatics:
   In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
   
4. Cook the Rice:
   Add the rice to the pan, stirring to coat it with the butter and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
   
5. Add the Chicken Back:
   Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the rice mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
   
6. Add Parmesan and Spinach:
   Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach (if using) until creamy and well combined.
   
7. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil over the dish. Serve hot, straight from the pan.

Notes

Rice Substitutions: Jasmine or basmati rice work well; avoid instant rice as it may overcook.

Cheese Options: For a different flavor, swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano.

Vegetables: Add peas, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrients.

Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat.

Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain texture.