One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice – the ultimate comfort food that’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare! This one-pan dish features tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. With minimal cleanup required, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the ease of one-pan cooking with a burst of delicious flavors. The creamy Parmesan sauce creates a velvety coating over the tender chicken and fluffy rice, making every bite a comforting delight. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze since everything is cooked in a single pan.
Expert Tips and Tricks:
- For Extra Juiciness: Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs to make the dish juicier and more flavorful.
- Toast the Rice: Toasting the rice in the pan for a few minutes before adding the liquids helps enhance its flavor.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides a richer taste compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Deglaze the Pan: After browning the chicken, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or white wine to lift the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
- Cover Tightly: Ensure the pan is tightly covered while simmering to keep the rice moist and evenly cooked.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based version.
- Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers.
- Herb Variations: Customize the dish with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this dish with a garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the creamy Parmesan sauce beautifully. For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or roasted asparagus.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Recipe FAQs:
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts since brown rice takes longer to cook.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it before serving, though the texture of the rice may change slightly.
- Is it possible to make this dairy-free? Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Can I use other cheeses instead of Parmesan? Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Gruyère can be used as substitutes for a different flavor profile.
One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
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 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to enhance its flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook Chicken and Rice: Return the chicken to the skillet, cover tightly, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Enjoy this comforting, creamy, and easy-to-make dish with your family and friends!