One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Introduction

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is the ultimate answer to weeknight dinner dilemmas: it’s deeply flavorful, filling, and comes together in a single skillet. Thanks to its streamlined process, you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a meal that’s rich, hearty, and sure to bring everyone to the table.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family or want a meal that feels comfortingly classic with minimal effort, this all-in-one recipe is both approachable and crowd-pleasing.

What Makes This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice So Irresistible?

The secret behind this dish’s popularity lies in the creamy parmesan sauce, which coats every grain of rice and morsel of chicken with delicious, savory flavor. The rice cooks directly in the same pan, absorbing the juices from the chicken and melding with aromatic garlic and Italian herbs for extra depth.

The combination of tender, perfectly cooked chicken, creamy rice, and a hint of melted cheese gives every bite a luxurious texture, all without complicated techniques or an overwhelming ingredient list.

Building Flavor in a Single Skillet

The foundation of this recipe is about maximizing deliciousness without fuss. Searing the chicken first develops a crisp, golden crust and intensifies the savory notes. Don’t rush this step; let the chicken pieces get nicely browned, as these bits will enhance the overall flavor of the creamy pan sauce.

For effortless prep, consider using the Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 to safely chop your raw chicken and fresh vegetables without cross-contamination.

Simple, One-Pan Cooking Method

A high-quality skillet is essential to achieving the perfect creamy texture. The SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch cooks chicken evenly and prevents the rice from sticking, ensuring an easy cleanup and perfectly cooked grains every time.

Tips for Creamier Rice and Perfect Parmesan Sauce

Full-fat milk or half-and-half makes for an ultra-creamy base, but you can also use lighter dairy or unsweetened non-dairy alternatives. Freshly grated parmesan melts smoothly and delivers robust, nutty flavor. To speed up prep, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is a game-changer when dicing onions and mincing garlic.

Use a reliable kitchen thermometer like the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking to ensure your chicken is juicy and cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Serving Suggestions & Make-Ahead Tips

For a complete meal, pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this great for meal prep. Store portions in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy lunches throughout the week.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 to 6 hearty servings. Each portion contains approximately 500–600 calories, depending on portion size and the dairy chosen, providing a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats—a satisfying and complete meal solution.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice (Recap)

One-pan, simple, and loaded with flavor: this Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is a winning dish for any night of the week. Perfect for feeding families, impressing guests, or meal prepping, its rich flavor and creamy texture make it an all-around favorite you’ll turn to again and again.

Instructions

1. Heat SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper, and sear until golden brown on all sides (about 6 minutes). Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add diced onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for 1 minute, letting the rice toast slightly. Pour in chicken broth, milk or half-and-half, and dried Italian herbs. Stir to combine.
4. Return chicken to the pan and bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most liquid has been absorbed.
5. Remove the lid and fold in parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring until creamy and cheese is fully melted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with more parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Store leftover portions in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy reheating.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Enjoy the unbeatable convenience and comforting flavors of this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice.