There’s just something magical about gathering around the table with a comforting bowl of One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice. This family-favorite recipe promises golden, tender chicken nestled in an ultra-creamy, cheesy rice, all infused with aromatic garlic and onion. Even better? It comes together in one skillet, which means maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or inviting friends for a cozy dinner, this dish checks every box — rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying!

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is how a handful of staple ingredients becomes a showstopping meal. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to deliver depth, texture, and a pop of color, making every bite memorable.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are perfect for soaking up the rich, creamy sauce without overpowering the dish.
Long-Grain White Rice: Its fluffy texture ensures the rice cooks up tender, never mushy, and absorbs all those dreamy flavors.
Chicken Broth: This is the backbone, providing savory depth and keeping everything moist as it simmers.
Heavy Cream: For that luxurious, velvety sauce that clings to every grain of rice and bite of chicken.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds bold, nutty flavor and helps create the creamy, cheesy finish everyone loves.
Small Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and depth, without overpowering the dish’s balance.
Garlic: Three cloves, minced, for a gentle aromatic kick that lingers beautifully in each bite.
Olive Oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics, ensuring a golden crust and extra flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Chicken

Start by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts all over with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken and let each side brown until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side. This deep caramelization isn’t just for looks; it locks in juicy flavor and gives your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice its irresistible base. After both sides have a gorgeous crust, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside — it’ll finish cooking with the rice soon.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In that same skillet (don’t you dare wash it out — those browned bits are flavor gold!), toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Give them a sauté over medium heat, stirring until the onion is translucent and the garlic’s fragrance fills your kitchen, about 2–3 minutes. The aromatics build a flavor-packed foundation for the rice and sauce.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Pour the long-grain white rice right into the skillet with the aromatics. Gently stir and toast the rice for 2–3 minutes. You’ll notice the grains start to look a little translucent around the edges — this step deepens the flavor and helps prevent the rice from getting too soft as it cooks with the luscious sauce.

Step 4: Combine Broth and Cream

Now, it’s time to pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom, making sure all those yummy flavors blend into the sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Your kitchen will already be smelling amazing!

Step 5: Cook Chicken and Rice

Nestle those browned chicken breasts back into the skillet, topping them off with a spoonful of the creamy broth. Cover tightly and reduce the heat to low. Let everything gently simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through. This is when the One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice turns into pure comfort: chicken juices blend with the rice, broth, and cream, infusing every bite.

Step 6: Melt in the Parmesan

Lift the lid and stir in your grated Parmesan cheese. Keep mixing until the cheese has melted into the sauce, creating a blanket of creamy, cheesy goodness mingling with the rice and chicken. Taste and adjust with a little extra salt and pepper, as needed. Let it sit off the heat for a minute or two — this helps everything set up perfectly.

Step 7: Serve

Finish your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice with a flurry of fresh chopped parsley. Scoop servings onto plates, making sure to spoon some creamy rice alongside each piece of chicken, and watch everyone dive in!

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic choice here, offering a burst of color and a gently herbal note that brightens up each bite. If you want to elevate things even further, try a sprinkling of extra grated Parmesan or a hint of freshly cracked black pepper — both add a final flourish to your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice.

Side Dishes

While this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, you can round out the meal with simple steamed green beans, a crisp Caesar salad, or some roasted broccoli. The fresh, snappy sides balance out the richness and let the flavors of your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice really shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of restaurant-style flair, try slicing the chicken and fanning it over a mound of creamy rice, then drizzle with sauce and add your favorite microgreens. Or, serve the chicken whole in the skillet and bring it right to the table for an easy family-style presentation that feels both rustic and impressive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, so you’ll find it possibly even more delicious the next day!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions of this dish. Let the chicken and rice cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to two months. To avoid a grainy texture, be sure to reheat gently after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, splash a little extra broth or cream into the rice to bring back the creamy texture. Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave in short bursts, covering to keep moisture in.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

You can substitute brown rice, but it will require extra liquid and a longer cooking time. Start with 2.5 cups broth and check for doneness after 35–40 minutes, adding more broth as needed to ensure tenderness.

Can I add vegetables to One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice?

Absolutely! Diced carrots, peas, spinach, or small broccoli florets all cook nicely in the creamy sauce. Add them in just after the rice for best results, and enjoy an extra boost of color and nutrition.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy. You can also try unsweetened evaporated milk as a good substitute.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan to ensure there are no hidden additives containing gluten.

How can I make it extra cheesy?

If you want even more cheesiness, stir in an additional half cup of Parmesan or top with a bit of shredded mozzarella during the final minute of cooking. This will make your skillet extra gooey and irresistible!

Final Thoughts

There you have it: a recipe that proves simple ingredients can create unforgettable meals. If you’re ready for flavor-packed comfort food with hardly any cleanup, give One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice a try — your dinner table will never be the same!