There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of creamy Parmesan chicken and rice wafting through your kitchen. This hearty one-pan meal combines juicy chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I wanted something simple yet indulgent. With just one pan and ingredients I already had at home, it quickly became a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. Ready to make your new favorite dinner? Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Get ready to fall in love with this easy, delicious meal that checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner.

First, it’s incredibly convenient. With only one pan required, you’ll save time on both cooking and cleaning, making it an excellent choice for hectic evenings.

The flavors are irresistible. Tender chicken, creamy rice, and the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese come together for a dish that feels gourmet but is deceptively simple to make.

Kid-friendly and customizable, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. You can adjust the seasonings, add vegetables, or swap the protein to suit your family's preferences.

Finally, it’s a great make-ahead option. Whether you’re meal-prepping or reheating leftovers, this dish retains its creamy texture and flavor, making it perfect for busy lifestyles.

Now that you know why this recipe is a must-try, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component contributes to the dish’s comforting flavors and creamy texture.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly here. Chicken thighs add extra juiciness, but breasts will also stay tender when cooked in the creamy sauce.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal for this dish, as it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce. Avoid instant or parboiled rice for the best results.
Chicken Broth: The base of the sauce, chicken broth adds depth and enhances the overall flavor. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the dish luxuriously creamy. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce may be thinner.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must! It melts beautifully into the sauce and adds a savory, nutty flavor. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
Garlic and Onion: These aromatics form the flavor foundation of the dish. Minced garlic and finely diced onion blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce.

Equipment Note

You’ll need a large, deep skillet or sauté pan with a lid to make this recipe. This ensures the rice cooks evenly without sticking or burning.

How To Make This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Creating this dish is as easy as it is delicious. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time.

Sear the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for extra flavor. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in finely diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.
Cook the Rice: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, allowing it to toast slightly for 1-2 minutes. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the rice and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan, ensuring it’s partially submerged in the liquid. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Finish with Parmesan: Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir gently to melt the cheese into the sauce. For an extra burst of flavor, add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Storage Options

This one-pan creamy Parmesan chicken and rice is as practical as it is delicious, with excellent storage and reheating options.

Refrigerator: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more enjoyable the next day!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in individual containers for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to tweak it to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Add Vegetables: Toss in some frozen peas, fresh spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrients and texture.
Swap the Protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different twist.
Go Gluten-Free: Ensure your chicken broth and Parmesan are gluten-free, and enjoy this dish without worry.
Use Whole Grains: Swap the white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a heartier, fiber-rich option. Note that the cooking time will need to be adjusted.
Herb it Up: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary to give the dish a new dimension of flavor.

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is more than just a meal – it’s a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers every time. The combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice is sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out. I guarantee it’ll be love at first bite!