Simple Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe Anyone Can Master

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable parmesan chicken & rice that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish brings together tender chicken and perfectly seasoned rice in one satisfying meal.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and rich, savory notes.

The recipe combines simple ingredients that create something truly special on your dinner table.

Fresh herbs and quality parmesan cheese elevate this classic combination to a whole new level of deliciousness.

You’ll love how quickly this comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.

Prepare to experience a culinary journey that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

Pantry Picks for One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates the main dish's heartiness, choose fresh and evenly sized for consistent cooking.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that adds depth and classic Mediterranean flavor to the chicken.

• Long Grain White Rice: Fluffy and absorbent grain that creates a perfect creamy foundation for the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich, savory liquid for rice cooking and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Brings luxurious creaminess and silky texture to the entire dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Fundamental flavor builders that create a robust and fragrant base for the recipe.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that melts beautifully and adds complex umami notes.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that offers fresh garnish and subtle herbal finish.
• Spinach: Optional nutrient-packed green that adds color and mild earthiness.

• Olive Oil: High-quality fat for sautéing that provides subtle fruity undertones.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all other flavors.

Tool Checklist for One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken, sautéing onions, and preparing the entire one-pan meal.
• Cooking spatula: Perfect for flipping chicken and stirring ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Important for accurately measuring chicken broth and heavy cream.
• Cheese grater: Used for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for dicing onions and mincing garlic precisely.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for portioning salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Cooking One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice Like a Pro

• Sizzle the Chicken

Brown chicken pieces in a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil. Season generously with herbs and spices. Cook until golden and perfectly done, then set aside.

• Wake Up the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions into the same pan, letting them soften and dance. Add minced garlic for a quick sauté, releasing their delicious fragrance.

• Build the Base

Pour rice into the skillet, coating it with the flavorful remnants. Add chicken broth and cream, creating a luxurious liquid blanket. Let everything simmer and mingle.

• Melt in the

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese for a creamy twist. Nestle the cooked chicken back into the pan, letting it rest on the developing rice. Cover and let the flavors blend quietly.

• Final Flourish

If desired, toss in some fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. Finish with a handful of chopped herbs. Serve hot and enjoy your one-pan wonder straight from the skillet.

Extra Tips to Upgrade Your Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor and juiciness.
• For extra fluffy rice, let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the grains to fully absorb the creamy sauce and settle.
• Easily substitute chicken with turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or even firm tofu for a versatile meal that adapts to different dietary preferences.
• Use gluten-free chicken broth and confirm your Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Experiment with different leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach, or add roasted bell peppers and zucchini for extra nutrition and color.

Great Ways to Serve Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Elegant Plating Technique: Arrange chicken pieces artfully over creamy rice, sprinkle fresh parsley for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, creamy dish with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to balance the flavors.
• Fresh Side Salad Companion: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness.

Save and Reuse One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Prepare double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. These portions stay delicious for 3-4 days when refrigerated.
• Separate chicken and rice into individual containers before freezing. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to maintain quality. Frozen meals remain tasty for up to 2 months.
• Gently warm refrigerated meals in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Microwave with a damp paper towel covering the dish to keep rice tender and chicken juicy.
• Chop onions, mince garlic, and measure spices in advance. Store prepped ingredients in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making dinner preparation faster and smoother.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice or brown rice. Just adjust cooking time and liquid amount based on the specific rice variety you choose.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure your seasonings are certified gluten-free. The recipe naturally contains no wheat-based ingredients.

• How can I make the dish more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by including cooked bacon bits, toasted pine nuts, or stirring in some additional shredded chicken during the final cooking stage.

• Can I prepare this recipe with chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Definitely! Chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they’re cut to similar thickness and cooked until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Effortless Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Parisian-inspired one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice melds comfort with elegance in a single skillet. Savory chicken nestles among herbed rice, promising a delectable meal that satisfies without complex preparation.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup (190 g) uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (30 g) baby spinach, chopped
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Searing Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear until golden-brown on both sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Aromatic Base: Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Rice Preparation: Incorporate uncooked rice into the onion-garlic mixture, ensuring complete coating. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Cheese Integration: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid, stirring to create a smooth, creamy texture.
5. Final Cooking Stage: Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces atop the rice. Cover and reduce heat to low, allowing rice to steam and absorb flavors for 20-25 minutes.
6. Optional Greenery: During the last 5 minutes, fold in chopped spinach for added nutrition and color.
7. Serving Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, ensuring a perfect blend of creamy rice and tender chicken.

Notes

• Chicken Searing Technique: Ensure skillet is hot enough to create a golden-brown crust without burning, which locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
• Rice Absorption Trick: Stir rice occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even liquid absorption for perfectly fluffy texture.
• Cream Separation Prevention: Add Parmesan cheese gradually and stir consistently to prevent curdling and maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, or use cauliflower rice for low-carb alternative without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg