Print

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

A comforting, delicious, and incredibly easy one-pan meal combining tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked rice for a quick and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside temporarily.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Toast Rice: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the rice and toast it in the butter and oil for 1-2 minutes to enhance nuttiness and flavor.
  3. Add Broth and Return Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spacing them evenly. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  4. Stir in Cream and Parmesan: Remove the lid and pour in the heavy cream along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Gently stir to combine and thicken the sauce slightly. Cook uncovered for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and coats the chicken and rice evenly.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the dish for brightness and color. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth of the creamy Parmesan chicken and rice.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before searing to ensure a nice crust and prevent steaming.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor and better melting.
  • Don’t skip toasting the rice as it adds important texture and flavor depth.
  • Cover the pan tightly while simmering to steam rice evenly.
  • Allow the dish to rest off heat for a few minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: One-pan, Creamy Parmesan Chicken, Chicken and Rice, Weeknight Dinner, Easy Chicken Recipe, Comfort Food