The Creamiest Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe You’ll Love

Creamy parmesan chicken & rice crafts ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this luxurious dish combining tender protein and hearty grains.

Rich, velvety textures meld seamlessly, creating a harmonious blend of savory flavors that dance across your palate.

Home cooks adore this one-pan wonder for its simplicity and incredible depth of taste.

Elegant yet approachable, the recipe strikes a perfect balance between gourmet and accessible cooking styles.

Melted cheese and perfectly seasoned chicken promise a delightful dining experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

You’ll want to add this crowd-pleasing meal to your weekly rotation.

Tips for Rich Sauce and Tender Chicken

• Chicken Browning Technique: Ensure a perfect golden-brown sear by patting chicken dry before cooking and using a hot skillet with enough oil to create a crispy exterior.
• Rice Toasting Trick: Gently toast rice before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
• Liquid Ratio Secret: Use precise measurements of broth and cream to achieve the ideal creamy consistency without making the dish too soupy or dry.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Add Parmesan gradually and off the heat to prevent separation and create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every grain of rice.
• Resting Ritual: Let the dish sit for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and rice to absorb any remaining moisture, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful meal.

Why Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Is a Family Favorite

• Elevate Comfort Food: This one-skillet wonder transforms classic chicken and rice into a luxurious, creamy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: With just one pan and under 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dinner that's incredibly simple to prepare and clean up.
• Customize Flavor Easily: The recipe allows countless variations by swapping herbs, using different cheeses, or adding vegetables without complicated technique changes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture Adventure: Enjoy perfectly golden chicken nestled in creamy, slightly toasted rice with a rich Parmesan finish that makes every bite irresistibly smooth and satisfying.

What You Need for Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates the heart of the dish, best when fresh and evenly sized for consistent cooking.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Fluffy base that absorbs flavors and provides a comforting texture, ideal for creamy dishes.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich, luxurious components that create a velvety sauce with deep, savory flavor, with Parmesan adding a nutty complexity.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that provide depth and aromatic base, with onion offering sweetness and garlic adding sharp, pungent notes.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and adds subtle fruity undertones.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and light herbal freshness to the finished dish.

How to Cook Creamy Chicken and Rice in One Pot

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

Gather salt, black pepper, and chicken breasts. Generously sprinkle seasonings over each chicken breast, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Perfectly

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté ingredients until they become soft and release their fragrant aroma, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Toast Rice Grains

Add uncooked rice to the skillet. Stir continuously to coat rice with flavorful oils and lightly toast the grains for 2-3 minutes, releasing a nutty fragrance.

Step 5: Build Creamy Liquid Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir ingredients to create a smooth, combined liquid. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Combine and Slow Cook

Return seared chicken to the skillet. Cover with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce heat to low and let everything simmer for 20-25 minutes. Check periodically to ensure rice becomes tender and chicken cooks completely.

Step 7: Enhance with Cheese

Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Chop fresh parsley. Sprinkle over the dish for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Chicken & Rice

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating and prevent drying out.

Sides That Pair Well with Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will cut through the creamy richness and complement the chicken's delicate flavor, creating a balanced dining experience.
• Complement with Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and contrast to the rich, creamy main dish, providing a refreshing counterpoint.
• Elevate with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to add texture and nutritional depth, enhancing the overall meal's complexity.
• Match with Chilled Herbal Tea: A light, cool mint or chamomile tea will cleanse the palate and help digest the creamy, protein-packed dish, offering a soothing end to the meal.

Ways to Switch Up Creamy Chicken and Rice

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken & Rice: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Add dried oregano, diced sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese for authentic Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken & Rice: Incorporate diced green chilies, cumin, and smoked paprika. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with a dollop of salsa for a zesty southwestern spin.
• Mushroom Risotto-Style Chicken: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions. Use arborio rice instead of regular rice and gradually add chicken broth for a creamy risotto-like texture. Finish with fresh thyme and extra Parmesan.
• Coconut Curry Chicken & Rice: Substitute half the chicken broth with coconut milk. Add mild curry powder, turmeric, and ginger. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and green onions for a subtle Asian-inspired version.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Parmesan chicken and rice combines Italian comfort with hearty home cooking. Cheesy, tender chicken nestles over fluffy rice, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Grains, Liquid, and Aromatics:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Sear chicken until each side develops a rich golden crust. Transfer chicken to a separate plate for later use.
2. Using the identical skillet, introduce chopped onion and minced garlic. Gently cook until aromatics become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
3. Introduce uncooked rice to the skillet, allowing grains to toast and develop a nutty flavor profile. Stir consistently to prevent burning and ensure even coloration.
4. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious liquid base. Allow mixture to reach a gentle simmer.
5. Carefully nestle seared chicken pieces back into the skillet. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Allow contents to gently bubble and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes.
6. Verify rice tenderness and chicken’s internal temperature. Once cooking is complete, incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, creamy texture.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a vibrant finishing touch.
8. Plate the creamy Parmesan chicken and rice, ensuring each serving receives an equal portion of chicken and rice mixture.

Notes

• Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-skillet wonder transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Creamy Parmesan adds luxurious richness, while toasted rice creates a nutty base that elevates the entire dish.
• Cooking chicken directly in the rice ensures maximum flavor absorption and guarantees tender, juicy results every single time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 690
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 165mg