There’s something so satisfying about a one-pan meal, especially on busy nights when you just want something quick, delicious, and comforting. This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe ticks all those boxes and more. It combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and rich Parmesan cheese in a single skillet—making clean-up as simple as the cooking process. Plus, the flavor is out of this world! It’s the perfect dish to pull together when you want comfort food with minimal effort.

I first stumbled across a version of this recipe during a crazy weeknight when I was juggling a work deadline and a hungry family. It was one of those moments when you just start tossing ingredients into a pan, hoping for the best. What emerged from the chaos was a creamy, cheesy chicken and rice dish that became an instant hit in my household. Since then, I’ve fine-tuned the recipe (and gotten a little less chaotic in the kitchen, hopefully!), but the heart of it remains the same—a one-pan wonder that feels indulgent without a lot of fuss.

One-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

The magic of one-pan meals

There’s a reason one-pan meals have become a staple in so many kitchens. First off, they’re wonderfully convenient. No one wants to be doing mountains of dishes after cooking—especially when you’re tired from the day. This recipe is designed to be made entirely in a single skillet, which means less mess, less stress, and more time to actually enjoy your meal (or sneak in an extra episode of your latest Netflix obsession).

The other thing I love about one-pan meals, particularly this Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice, is how the flavors come together. Cooking everything in the same skillet lets the ingredients soak up all those amazing juices and spices. The rice becomes wonderfully rich, taking on the creamy texture and savory depth from the chicken broth and Parmesan, while the chicken stays tender and moist from simmering right in the same pan.

A personal favorite: cooking comfort, my way

One chilly evening, after I’d finally finished this dish for the first time, I sat down with my family and was blown away by how something so simple could taste this good. The smell of the garlic and onion sizzling away in the pan fills your kitchen with warmth—it’s the kind of cozy scent that makes you want to curl up in a blanket (though probably not advisable while cooking!). When the Parmesan melts into the creamy sauce, it just takes everything up a notch. My family couldn’t believe it was a last-minute throw-together meal; they thought I’d been planning it all day. Of course, I didn’t correct them. 😉

A little bit of background on this dish

While there’s nothing particularly traditional about this specific recipe, creamy chicken and rice dishes have roots in comfort food from many cultures. You’ve got everything from arroz con pollo in Latin American cuisine to rich risottos in Italian cooking, and even creamy casseroles popular in American home kitchens. The combination of rice, chicken, and some form of a rich sauce is beloved worldwide, and it’s no surprise—these ingredients just work so well together. Over the years, this humble combo has evolved into many variations, and this particular take blends the creaminess of an Italian risotto with the simplicity of an American one-pan meal.

Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of the show

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a classic choice here. They cook quickly and absorb all the flavors of the sauce. You can easily swap these out for chicken thighs if you prefer something with a bit more fat and flavor.
Long-grain white rice: This is what helps absorb all that rich, creamy sauce. Long-grain rice stays nice and fluffy, but if you’re out of white rice, you can use brown rice—just be aware that it will take longer to cook.
Chicken broth: Adds depth to the dish and keeps the rice moist as it cooks. You can substitute vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand, but the chicken broth really amps up the savory flavor.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the dish creamy and luxurious. If you’re looking to cut calories, you can try using half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative, though it may not be quite as rich.
Parmesan cheese: The hero ingredient! Parmesan adds that salty, nutty flavor that brings everything together. I always recommend grating your own Parmesan for the best flavor and meltability.
Onion and garlic: The base of the flavor in the dish. Sautéing these until they’re soft and fragrant gives the rice and chicken a lovely, savory backbone.
Olive oil: Used for browning the chicken and sautéing the veggies. It adds a subtle richness, but you can swap in butter if you want an extra indulgent flavor.

Kitchen gear: what you’ll need

For this recipe, you’ll need a large skillet with a lid. I recommend using a non-stick or cast-iron skillet, as it ensures even cooking and helps keep the rice from sticking to the bottom. If you don’t have a skillet with a lid, a large sauté pan or even a Dutch oven will work too. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can use a splatter guard to keep your stovetop clean when browning the chicken.

Step-by-step: how to make one-pan creamy parmesan chicken & rice

Prepare the chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken breasts and brown them on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side. You’re not cooking them through just yet, but you want a nice golden color. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for a few minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—you’re going for a lovely, translucent onion and just golden garlic.
Toast the rice: Add the rice directly into the skillet with the onion and garlic. Toast the rice for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll notice it starting to turn a bit golden—this step adds extra flavor to the final dish.
Simmer it all together: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, giving it all a good stir. Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a simmer, cover tightly, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.Tip: Stir occasionally to make sure the rice isn’t sticking to the bottom.
Finish with Parmesan: Once the rice and chicken are cooked, remove the lid and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The sauce will become irresistibly creamy as the Parmesan melts into the rice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve and enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the chicken breasts over the creamy rice and dig in!

Variations to make this dish your own

If you want to switch things up, here are a few variations I’ve tried:

Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and replace it with a mix of mushrooms and spinach. The mushrooms add that savory, umami flavor, and the spinach wilts beautifully into the creamy sauce.
Low-carb option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice. Just reduce the cooking time, as cauliflower rice cooks much quicker.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sautéed onions and garlic for a little heat, or drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish.
Seasonal add-ins: In the summer, throw in some fresh cherry tomatoes or zucchini. In the fall, diced butternut squash or even a handful of kale would be lovely.

Presentation and serving ideas

When it comes to serving, I love to plate the chicken breasts on a bed of the creamy Parmesan rice and finish with a sprinkle of parsley. For a pop of brightness, you could add a lemon wedge on the side—the acidity will cut through the richness of the sauce beautifully. If you’re hosting a dinner, consider pairing it with a light salad or some roasted vegetables on the side for a complete meal.

Drink pairings

I personally love pairing this dish with a crisp white wine—something like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc works great. If you’re more of a red wine drinker, a light Pinot Noir would complement the creaminess without overpowering the delicate flavors. And for non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with lemon or a nice iced tea would be refreshing alongside the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce, as it thickens when chilled. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe is perfect for 4 servings, but if you want to scale it up or down, it’s super easy. Just remember to adjust the liquid accordingly. If you’re making it for two, halve the ingredients. Cooking for a crowd? Double the recipe and use a large sauté pan or Dutch oven to ensure even cooking.

Troubleshooting potential issues

Rice is undercooked: If your rice isn’t quite done after 25 minutes, add a splash more broth and let it cook a bit longer, covered.
Chicken is overcooked: Keep an eye on the chicken while browning. You just want a nice sear, not to cook it through in the first step.

Final thoughts

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe is perfect for when you’re craving comfort but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a meal that feels indulgent and satisfying. I hope you give it a try and make it your own!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that different types of rice have different cooking times. Brown rice will take longer, while instant rice will cook much quicker.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can swap the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, and use a vegan Parmesan substitute.

3. What should I do if my rice sticks to the pan?
Make sure to stir the rice occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking. If it’s still sticking, you might need to lower the heat.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Just store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

5. What other herbs could I use?
If you don’t have parsley, you could garnish with fresh basil, thyme, or even a bit of rosemary.