Easy One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Dinner

Looking for a comfort food fix that doesn’t require a pile of dirty dishes? One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is your answer! Imagine juicy, golden chicken breasts nestled in irresistibly creamy, Parmesan-packed rice, all simmered together in one skillet. The secret sauce here is how all the flavors come together effortlessly — and your OK TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes means weeknights just got a whole lot tastier (and easier to clean up!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

This classic one-pan wonder relies on simple, everyday ingredients, but don’t let that fool you — every item on the list plays its part for flavor, texture, and color. Here’s what you need to make your OK TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes meal a crowd-pleaser!

• Chicken breasts: Go for boneless and skinless for quick, even cooking and plenty of protein.
• Long-grain white rice: Holds up perfectly to the creamy sauce, absorbing flavor while staying fluffy.
• Chicken broth: Infuses savory depth into both the rice and chicken, so don’t skimp on quality if you can.
• Heavy cream: The ultimate secret to that luscious, spoon-coating sauce you’ll crave more of.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and melts right in for luxurious richness.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens and mingles with the other flavors.
• Garlic: Punches up the aroma and gives the dish that classic Italian flair.
• Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and soften the aromatics — always use a good drizzle for extra flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Don’t forget to season each layer for big, bold taste throughout.
• Fresh parsley: A final sprinkle of color and freshness right before serving — don’t skip it!

How to Make OK TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them well with salt and pepper on both sides. Heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chicken until both sides are golden and caramelized. This isn’t just about color — browning really deepens the flavor! Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate for now.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet (don’t wash it — those flavorful browned bits add so much!), toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté over medium heat until everything is soft and fragrant, and your kitchen is filled with that unmistakably amazing aroma that signals dinner is going to be good.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add your rice directly into the pan with the onion and garlic. Stir it around for a couple of minutes to coat every grain in that savory goodness. Toasting the rice this way gives the final dish a wonderful nutty undertone and prevents mushiness later.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to incorporate every last bit from the bottom of the skillet. Now’s the time to bring everything into a gentle simmer, marrying the creaminess with the savory chicken flavor that will have everyone asking about that secret ingredient!

Step 5: Cook Chicken and Rice Together

Return your seared chicken breasts back to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy rice mixture. Cover tightly with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it all simmer for about 20–25 minutes. When the rice is tender and the chicken is perfectly cooked, you’re ready for OK TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes magic.

Step 6: Finish With Parmesan

Uncover the skillet, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, and stir until it melts right in, turning everything unmistakably creamy and decadent. Adjust seasoning, then get ready for the final flourish!

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Scatter plenty of chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve straight from the skillet. That’s the beauty of OK TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes — minimal dishes, maximum comfort.

How to Serve OK TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes

Garnishes

For extra flair, a shower of freshly grated Parmesan or a twist of black pepper just before serving is absolutely delicious. A sprinkle of lemon zest perks things up, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness — the perfect finish for your creamy creation.

Side Dishes

If you want to round out OK TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes, keep it simple: a crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette, roasted broccoli, or simply steamed asparagus are all excellent partners. They add some bright contrast and a lovely crunch to the creamy rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this family style straight from the pan — there’s just something cozy about that! For dinner parties, portion onto shallow bowls and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy look. Even a few cherry tomato halves brightened with balsamic look and taste fabulous alongside the rich, creamy rice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from your OK TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes dish store beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Simply transfer the cooled chicken and rice to an airtight container, keeping as much air out as possible for freshness.

Freezing

Although the creamy sauce may change texture slightly once frozen, it’s totally possible to freeze portions for up to a month. Reheat gently and consider adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce!

Reheating

For best results, reheat covered in the microwave on medium power, or in a skillet over gentle heat with a little extra broth or water. Stir occasionally to keep the rice from sticking, and always check that the chicken is heated through before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may require extra broth or cream. Adjust cooking time as needed so both chicken and rice are done together.

Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?

Yes! Thighs work beautifully here and can be even juicier. Just be aware that they may need a few extra minutes to reach the proper internal temperature.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

If you’re looking to skip the cream and cheese, try using coconut milk in place of heavy cream and a vegan Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious and creamy.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to stir the rice well when toasting and combine thoroughly with liquid. Also, keep the pan tightly covered as it simmers to prevent the rice from drying out and catching on the bottom.

What other vegetables can I add?

Diced bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or even peas can be added just before covering the pan for extra flavor, color, and nutrition. Just be sure to chop them small so they cook evenly during your OK TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving big flavor and creamy comfort without spending your whole evening in the kitchen, give this OK TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
40 minutes dish a try. You’ll love how easy and rewarding it is — seriously, one pan, no fuss, and every bite is pure satisfaction. Get ready to make it a weeknight favorite!

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