Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice : Easy Dinner

Looking for a rich, creamy, and satisfying one-pot meal? This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, made with tender chicken thighs, buttery rice, and a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce—all in just one pan!

Whether you’re searching for an easy rice recipe, a boneless skinless chicken thigh dish, or a quick family dinner, this one-pot chicken and creamy rice is simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights!

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Creamy Rice Recipe

• One-Pot Convenience – Less mess, fewer dishes!
• Rich & Creamy Texture – Butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese make this dish incredibly indulgent.
• Juicy & Tender Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cook perfectly in the sauce.
• Family-Friendly & Satisfying – Perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Customizable & Versatile – Add veggies, swap rice types, or use chicken breasts instead.

Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Rice & Sauce:

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup frozen peas or spinach (optional, for extra veggies)
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this easy Parmesan chicken and rice recipe, you’ll need:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Grater (for fresh Parmesan cheese)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics & Cook the Rice

1. In the same pan, melt butter, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
2. Stir in uncooked rice, letting it toast slightly for 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and onion powder, stirring well.

Step 3: Simmer Until Rice is Tender

1. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice.
2. Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering for 20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.

Step 4: Make It Creamy & Cheesy

1. Remove the lid and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and optional veggies.
2. Let simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

1. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
2. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy chicken and rice!

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Expert Tips for the Best Parmesan Chicken and Rice

• Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts better and enhances the flavor.
• Sear the chicken first – Adds depth and extra juiciness.
• Don’t skip toasting the rice – Helps develop a nutty, rich flavor.
• Prefer a lighter version? – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• For extra crispiness – Broil the dish for 2 minutes before serving.

Fun Variations of Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

• Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice – Add extra garlic butter for a richer taste.
• Mushroom Parmesan Chicken Rice – Stir in sautéed mushrooms for earthiness.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken and Rice – Replace Italian seasoning with Cajun spice blend.
• Lemon Herb Parmesan Rice – Squeeze in fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh twist.
• Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice – Mix in steamed broccoli and extra cheese.

How to Store & Reheat Creamy Chicken and Rice

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Let cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore texture.

Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips

• Sprinkle extra Parmesan & cracked black pepper before serving.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for balance.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken and Rice

• Not letting the rice fully cook – Cover and simmer until tender.
• Adding cream too early – Stir in at the end to keep it rich and creamy.
• Skipping the searing step – Helps lock in juiciness and flavor.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Parmesan Chicken and Rice

• Garlic-roasted asparagus – A fresh, crisp side.
• Homemade garlic bread – Perfect for dipping into the sauce.
• Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts – Adds a healthy, roasted touch.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but adjust cook time to prevent drying out.

2. What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is best. Avoid instant rice as it won’t absorb the flavors properly.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort meal, made in just one pot with juicy chicken, rich Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked rice. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a cozy family meal, it’s guaranteed to be a favorite!

Try this one-pot chicken and creamy rice recipe today and share your results! Tag us on social media and subscribe for more easy, delicious recipes!

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