easy One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

cheesy rice, all cooked together in one skillet for ultimate convenience . Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual family meals, this recipe is a satisfying and simple way to quickly get a delicious meal on the table.

Why Make This Recipe

A Delectable, Comforting Dish

The perfectly seared chicken, creamy Parmesan-infused rice, and savory aromatics make this dish a warm and satisfying meal packed with flavor.

Quick and Easy

With a total cooking time of just 40 minutes and simple, easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, wholesome meal without the fuss.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Chicken
    • Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on both sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics
    • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Toast the Rice
    • Stir the rice into the skillet with the aromatics. To toast the rice lightly, cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Combine Ingredients
    • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cook the Chicken and Rice
    • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Finish with Parmesan
    • Once the chicken and rice are fully cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve
    • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Plate the chicken alongside the creamy rice and enjoy while warm.

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Serve this dish straight from the skillet for a cozy, family-style presentation. Pair it with:

  • A Crisp Green Salad: Lightly dressed arugula or spinach salad adds a refreshing contrast.
  • Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or asparagus make excellent side dishes.

How to Store and Reheat

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture.

Tips to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

  1. Even Cooking: Ensure the skillet is covered tightly to prevent unevenly cooked rice.
  2. Stir Occasionally: Give the rice a gentle stir every so often to avoid sticking.
  3. Use a Meat Thermometer: Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  4. Boost Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of brightness.

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

         Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to  elevate flavor  

  • Brown Rice Alternative: Substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice, but increase the cooking time as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, but cooking times may vary. For example, jasmine or basmati rice will cook faster, while brown rice will require more liquid and time.

2. How can I make this dish lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese slightly.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the cheese. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before stirring the Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

this recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a wholesome, satisfying dish that’s bound to become a household favorite!

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One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

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Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken
  • Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on both sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Sauté Aromatics
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  • Toast the Rice
  • Stir the rice into the skillet with the aromatics. To toast the rice lightly, cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Combine Ingredients
  • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Cook the Chicken and Rice
  • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  • Finish with Parmesan
  • Once the chicken and rice are fully cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Plate the chicken alongside the creamy rice and enjoy while warm.

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