Craving Comfort? This One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Is the Answer
If you’ve ever found yourself staring into your fridge at 5:47 PM wondering, “What on earth can I make that won’t leave my kitchen looking like a tornado hit it?” — you are absolutely not alone. That’s exactly why this One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice recipe is about to become your weeknight hero.
It’s creamy. It’s savory. It’s comforting in that curl-up-on-the-couch-with-a-bowl kind of way. And best of all? It comes together in just one pan — yes, one — meaning less cleanup and more time for you to finally catch up on that show you’ve been “watching” for three months (we see you, half-finished Netflix queue).
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice
✔️ Minimal dishes, maximum flavor
✔️ Ready in under an hour — no fuss, no stress
✔️ The whole family will go back for seconds (even the picky ones)
✔️ Creamy, cheesy goodness in every single bite
This dish is a warm hug disguised as dinner. The juicy chicken, rich Parmesan-infused sauce, and fluffy rice are practically made for each other — like a comfort food love triangle that actually works out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breast – Tender, juicy, and packed with protein.
- Parmesan Cheese – Brings the nutty, salty, creamy flavor we all crave.
- Long Grain White Rice – Soaks up all the deliciousness.
- Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
- Garlic – Adds that can’t-skip savory depth.
- Chicken Broth – Builds the base of our rich, comforting sauce.
- Butter – For that silky, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Salt & Pepper – Simple, but essential.
- Fresh Herbs (optional) – Parsley or thyme for a fresh pop of color.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice in One Pan
Step 1: Get Prepped Like a Pro
Grab all your ingredients. Slice the chicken breasts thin so they cook quickly. Mince that garlic and get your rice, broth, and cream ready. A little prep now means smooth sailing later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Melt a tablespoon of butter in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Set the chicken aside — but don’t clean the pan! That’s flavor in there.
Step 3: Garlic Time
In the same pan, add a touch more butter and toss in your garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant. (Your kitchen will start to smell amazing right about now.)
Step 4: Build That Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Scrape up all the browned bits (that’s the good stuff). Stir in the heavy cream, let it bubble, then turn the heat down low.
Step 5: Add Rice and Simmer
Stir in the rice, making sure it’s fully coated in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes uncovered to start soaking up the flavors.
Step 6: Let the Rice Do Its Thing
Cover the skillet, reduce the heat, and let it cook for 15–18 minutes. Peek in around the halfway mark to give it a stir — no sticky surprises later.
Step 7: Finish Strong
Once the rice is tender, stir in that glorious Parmesan until melted and creamy. Gently nestle the chicken back into the pan and let it all warm together for 3–5 more minutes.
Step 8: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Grab a spoon, dish it up, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, chickeny goodness!
Pro Tips for Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Success
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — It melts better and tastes miles ahead of the pre-shredded kind.
- Keep that lid on tight when cooking the rice — steam is your best friend here.
- Want to mix it up? Add in mushrooms or spinach before simmering the rice for a veggie boost.
- Got leftover rotisserie chicken? Use it instead of raw chicken — just skip the searing step!
A Quick Story from My Kitchen
This recipe was born on one of those nights. You know the kind — my kids were hangry, the dishwasher was already full, and I needed a one-and-done meal. I tossed everything into the pan, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. Not only did it work, but my kids cleaned their plates and asked for seconds (a miracle, truly). Now it’s in our weekly rotation, and I swear it just keeps getting better.
FAQs About Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Can I use brown rice instead?
You can, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice takes longer to soften and absorb those creamy flavors.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to bring back that creamy texture.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this dish are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your broth and Parmesan don’t contain any hidden gluten.
When You Need a Meal That Loves You Back
One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is more than just dinner — it’s comfort, convenience, and crowd-pleasing all wrapped into one creamy, dreamy skillet. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to something extra cozy, this recipe has your back.
And remember — dishes are optional, but seconds are practically guaranteed. 🍽️
Explore More Creamy, Flavor-Packed Chicken Recipes
If you loved this One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice, then you’re in for a treat! Dive into more delicious ways to keep dinnertime easy, cozy, and totally satisfying. These handpicked recipes are perfect companions, whether you’re in the mood for something cheesy, zesty, or full of bold flavor — all while keeping cleanup minimal and taste at a maximum.
Here are a few flavorful options you’ll definitely want to check out next:
- Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Delight – If you can’t get enough of creamy chicken goodness, this comforting casserole version might just become your next weeknight winner.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Think of it as your favorite chicken and rice dish’s pasta-loving cousin — rich, garlicky, and utterly indulgent.
- One Pan Balsamic Chicken – For a tangy twist on one-pan magic, this dish adds a sweet and savory punch that’s perfect for busy nights.
- Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce – If you’re a fan of creamy sauces, wait till you try this basil-kissed beauty — it’s pure dinnertime decadence.
Each of these recipes brings something unique to your table (and bonus: they all play nice with minimal dishwashing). So go ahead — bookmark your favorites and keep the creamy comfort coming!
Print
One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, comforting, and cooked in just one skillet, this One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is the ultimate weeknight dinner. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is pure comfort in a bowl — and cleanup’s a breeze!
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
2 tablespoons butter (divided)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long grain white rice
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients: Slice chicken into thin, even pieces. Mince garlic and have all other ingredients ready to go.
Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: Add remaining butter to the pan. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Build Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up brown bits. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Add Rice: Stir in rice and let simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes.
Cook Rice: Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Finish Dish: Stir in Parmesan until melted. Add chicken back on top and heat through for 3–5 minutes.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs if using. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy goodness!
Notes
For extra richness, add a splash more cream before serving.
Swap rice with orzo or quinoa if desired — just adjust liquid and cooking time.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to revive the texture.
Want veggies? Stir in spinach or peas before covering the rice to cook.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner, One Pan
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg