There’s nothing quite like a hearty, one-pan meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds.
I first tried this recipe on a night when I desperately needed something quick but satisfying after a long day. Little did I know that this one dish would become a staple in my kitchen, perfect for weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that checks every box for busy cooks and hungry families. This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice isn’t just easy to make – it’s a game-changer.
First of all, this recipe requires only one pan, which means minimal cleanup. Who doesn’t love fewer dishes after a busy day? The whole meal comes together in under 40 minutes, saving you both time and energy in the kitchen.
The creamy, cheesy sauce is what truly steals the show. Made with Parmesan cheese and a touch of heavy cream, it coats every bite of tender chicken and fluffy rice, delivering pure comfort in every spoonful.
Best of all, it’s a family-friendly dish that even picky eaters will devour. You can easily sneak in veggies like peas or spinach, and no one will bat an eye because it’s just that delicious.
With simple ingredients and effortless steps, this is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again for its unbeatable convenience and flavor.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this creamy masterpiece:
The chicken is the star of the show. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs add extra juiciness, while breasts keep it light and lean – both work beautifully.
Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe because it cooks evenly and absorbs all the creamy flavors. Make sure not to use instant or quick-cooking rice, as they can turn mushy.
For the sauce, the magic comes from Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Freshly grated Parmesan is a must – it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating that rich, velvety texture. Heavy cream provides creaminess, but if you want to lighten it up, half-and-half can work in a pinch.
To add depth and a hint of freshness, you’ll need garlic and onion. Both ingredients cook down beautifully and infuse the dish with a savory flavor base.
For a finishing touch, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness. You can also add optional veggies like frozen peas, spinach, or broccoli to boost the nutritional value of the dish.
Lastly, you’ll need a large skillet or pan with a lid. Since this is a one-pan recipe, make sure your pan is big enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.
How to Make This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Creating this creamy, cheesy dish couldn’t be simpler. Here’s a step-by-step guide to bringing this one-pan wonder to life.
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, and once it’s shimmering, toss in your chicken pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden sear, then stir and cook for another 2 minutes until browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add finely diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant – about 2-3 minutes. The browned bits from the chicken will mix in, adding even more flavor.
Next, pour in your chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any remaining browned bits from the pan. Add the uncooked rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed in the broth. Let the mixture come to a simmer.
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, return the seared chicken to the skillet, and cover it with a lid. Let it cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
When the rice is perfectly cooked, stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as the sauce turns irresistibly creamy and coats every grain of rice. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it up.
Finish by sprinkling with chopped parsley and a bit more Parmesan for good measure. Serve hot, and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!
This recipe comes together in about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect quick dinner with restaurant-quality results.
Storage Options
Have leftovers? This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it again later.
To store, transfer the cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep it sealed tightly to retain the creamy texture.
For freezing, place portions of the dish in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, though keep in mind that the creamy sauce may slightly separate upon reheating.
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily switch things up to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.
- Add veggies: Stir in frozen peas, chopped spinach, or steamed broccoli just before adding the cream and Parmesan. They add color and nutrition without extra effort.
- Use a different protein: Swap the chicken for cooked shrimp, ground turkey, or leftover rotisserie chicken. You’ll save even more time while keeping the dish flavorful.
- Lighten it up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese slightly for a lighter version that’s still creamy and satisfying.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat. The spice balances beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce.
- Experiment with herbs: Fresh thyme, basil, or rosemary can elevate the flavors and add an extra layer of sophistication.
Feel free to get creative – this dish is forgiving and adaptable. No matter how you customize it, it’ll still be a creamy, comforting hit every time.
With its simple steps, easy cleanup, and irresistible flavor, this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking for a dish that’ll wow your family, this recipe delivers every single time. So grab a skillet, get cooking, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
PrintOne-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
This one-pan creamy Parmesan chicken and rice recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. With tender chicken, creamy rice, and Parmesan cheese, this dish comes together in one pan for easy cleanup and ultimate flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken cubes, season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté until browned on all sides.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in uncooked rice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and peas (if using) until well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth for better control of salt levels.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
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