One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Name: One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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)

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Cooking a homemade meal can often feel like a daunting task for beginners, especially when you’re juggling work, school, and other responsibilities. However, simple and flavorful dishes like One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice are perfect for those just starting out in the kitchen. Not only does this recipe deliver rich flavors with minimal effort, but it also requires just one pan—making cleanup a breeze! Let’s dive into why this dish is ideal for new cooks, along with step-by-step instructions, handy tips, and serving ideas.

Why This Recipe is Special

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice combines the best elements of comfort food and convenience. It takes just 40 minutes to prepare, and because everything cooks in one pan, you save valuable time during both cooking and cleanup. This dish is also versatile—you can add vegetables or switch up the protein to suit your tastes. The creamy Parmesan sauce adds a rich, savory flavor that envelops both the tender chicken and the fluffy rice, making each bite a comforting experience.

Moreover, this recipe is perfect for beginners because it uses simple techniques like browning chicken and toasting rice. You won’t need any fancy cooking skills or kitchen gadgets—just a trusty skillet, a few basic ingredients, and a bit of patience.

Ingredients and Preparation

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that make up this mouthwatering dish, along with a bit of guidance on their roles and some alternatives to keep things flexible.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein of the dish, chicken breasts offer a lean, tender texture. If you prefer a juicier option, you can easily substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Long-grain white rice: This rice variety cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the broth and Parmesan cheese beautifully. If you prefer a low-carb option, cauliflower rice can work as a great substitute.

Chicken broth: Adds moisture and enhances the flavor of the rice. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter version or even a bone broth for extra nutrients.
Heavy cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture. For a lighter alternative, you can substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk if you need a dairy-free version.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The key ingredient for flavor, Parmesan adds a savory, umami-rich punch. Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal, as it melts better and tastes more flavorful.

Small onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can replace them with shallots or garlic.
Garlic: Provides a fragrant, savory note. Fresh garlic works best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
Olive oil: Used to brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics. You could also use butter or avocado oil for a different flavor profile.

Salt and pepper: The essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Fresh parsley: A garnish to add a pop of color and freshness. If parsley isn’t available, basil or thyme will work well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and brown them on both sides until golden. This should take about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the rice to the skillet and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This step enhances the flavor of the rice and gives it a nutty, roasted quality.

Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Once the rice is cooked through and the chicken is tender, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Ensure even cooking: Cover the skillet tightly while simmering the chicken and rice. This helps the rice cook evenly and prevents it from drying out.
Check the chicken’s doneness: If you’re unsure whether the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Prevent rice from sticking: Stir the rice occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Use the right tools: A large skillet or pan with a lid is essential to cook everything evenly. If you don’t have a lid, you can use foil to cover the pan.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice, consider pairing it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the dish, while a slice of garlic bread will make it even more indulgent. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the dish in a microwave or in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

Engagement Features

We hope this easy sheet pan dinner becomes a go-to recipe for you, whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the family. If you give this recipe a try, let us know how it turned out! What variation did you add? Did you make any substitutions? Drop a comment below and share your experience—we’d love to hear from you!

FAQ About “One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice”

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative. They tend to be juicier and provide a richer flavor compared to chicken breasts.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

3. How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Make sure to cover the pan tightly during simmering and follow the rice-to-liquid ratio closely. Avoid stirring too much once the liquid is added to prevent overcooking.

4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! You can easily incorporate vegetables such as spinach, peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added color, flavor, and nutrition.

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