One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice : The Perfect Comfort Meal!

Looking for an easy, creamy Parmesan chicken and rice dish that’s packed with flavor and requires minimal cleanup? This one-pan creamy Parmesan chicken & rice is the ultimate comfort food! With tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and perfectly cooked rice, this meal is a lifesaver on busy nights.

Whether you’re searching for a quick dinner recipe or a delicious chicken and rice casserole, this dish is sure to become one of your favorite dinner recipes. Plus, it’s made in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

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Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.
✔ One-Pan Magic: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup!
✔ Rich & Creamy: Loaded with Parmesan cheese for a deliciously creamy texture.
✔ Perfect for Families: A filling meal that both kids and adults will love.
✔ Customizable: Add veggies or switch up the seasoning to match your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this creamy Parmesan chicken and rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken & Rice:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup uncooked white rice (long-grain preferred)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Creamy Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Essential Kitchen Equipment

Before starting, make sure you have these tools for a smooth cooking process:

✔ Large skillet or sauté pan – A deep pan works best to hold all ingredients.
✔ Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and combining the sauce.
✔ Measuring cups & spoons – To get the right ingredient ratios.
✔ Cutting board & knife – For prepping the chicken and garlic.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, and cook until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes).
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic & Rice

In the same pan, add another 1 tablespoon of butter.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add uncooked rice, stirring to coat the grains with butter and garlic.

Step 3: Simmer the Rice

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream and stir well.
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is tender.

Step 4: Add Chicken & Cheese

Once the rice is cooked, return the chicken to the pan.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top.
Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!

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Pro Tips for the Best One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

✔ Use long-grain rice – It cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce perfectly.
✔ Avoid overcooking the chicken – Sauté just until golden, as it will finish cooking with the rice.
✔ Stir occasionally – This prevents the rice from sticking to the pan.
✔ Add more broth if needed – If the rice absorbs too much liquid, add small amounts of broth.
✔ Grate fresh Parmesan – It melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-packaged cheese.

Variations & Substitutions

Swap the chicken: Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
Make it veggie-packed: Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Try a different cheese: Instead of mozzarella, use cheddar or gouda for a different flavor twist.
Make it dairy-free: Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and use dairy-free cheese.

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Parmesan Chicken & Rice

This chicken and rice casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with:

✔ Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, asparagus)
✔ A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette
✔ Garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal
✔ Mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting combo

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

To Store:

Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
For stovetop reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess.

To Freeze:

Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! But brown rice takes longer to cook. Increase the cooking time to 35-40 minutes and add extra broth if needed.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving.

3. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a certified gluten-free chicken broth.

4. Can I use pre-cooked rice?

You can, but the texture will be different. Reduce the broth to 1/2 cup, stir in the pre-cooked rice at the end, and let it warm through.

Final Thoughts: Try This Easy & Creamy Parmesan Chicken Recipe Today!

This one-pan creamy Parmesan chicken & rice is the perfect solution for busy nights when you need a delicious and satisfying meal. With its rich, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s bound to become a favorite dinner recipe in your home.

If you loved this recipe, share it with friends and family and subscribe for more fast dinner recipes like this! Let us know in the comments how it turned out for you. Happy cooking! 😊