Home Recipes Savor the Ultimate Comfort Food: One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Savor the Ultimate Comfort Food: One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

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Discover the joy of effortless cooking with our One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice. This recipe marries tender chicken breasts, fluffy rice, and a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce—all cooked together in one pan for ultimate convenience and minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend treat, this dish is bursting with rich, savory flavors that are sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a culinary gem, combining simplicity and flavor in every bite. The creamy Parmesan sauce envelopes juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice, delivering a comforting, homemade taste. Best of all, the one-pan method saves time and effort, making it a go-to for stress-free, delicious meals.


Pro Tips for Perfection

  • Opt for Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer extra juicy and tender meat.
  • Toast the Rice: Enhance the flavor by toasting the rice in the pan for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Grate Fresh Parmesan: For a richer, melt-in-your-mouth experience, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated options.
  • Deglaze for Depth: After browning the chicken, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth to lift flavorful bits from the bottom.
  • Seal the Pan Tight: Cover the pan securely while simmering to ensure evenly cooked rice and to lock in moisture.

Recipe Variations to Try

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas for a meat-free option.
  • Low-Carb Twist: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor.
  • Add Veggies: Mix in vibrant vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for added color and nutrients.
  • Herbal Accents: Customize the flavor with thyme, rosemary, or basil.


Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Pair this creamy delight with a crisp garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For an indulgent touch, serve with garlic bread or roasted asparagus. Complement the dish with a glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to elevate your dining experience.


Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture, or heat gently in a covered skillet on low.


FAQs About This Recipe

  • Can I use brown rice instead of white?
    Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and additional liquid.
  • Can I prepare this dish ahead?
    Absolutely! It reheats well, though the rice’s texture may soften slightly.
  • Is there a dairy-free option?
    Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
  • What cheeses can replace Parmesan?
    Try Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Gruyère for a unique twist.
  • Can I add vegetables?
    Definitely! Spinach, peas, or bell peppers work beautifully in this dish.
  • How do I avoid mushy rice?
    Keep the pan tightly covered and stick to the recommended rice-to-liquid ratio.
  • Can I use chicken thighs instead?
    Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs make a deliciously juicy substitute.
  • What if my sauce is too thick?
    Simply thin it out with a bit of chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
  • Is this dish gluten-free?
    Ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free, as the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
  • How can I add more flavor?
    Experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil. Deglazing the pan with white wine before adding broth also boosts flavor depth.

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The above recipe draws inspiration from the renowned culinary experts, Sally, Chris and Lindsay.

Savor the Ultimate Comfort Food: One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Serves: 4 servings Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

Enjoy a quick and delicious dinner with our One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice, featuring tender chicken and creamy rice, all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup.

Total Time: 40 minutes

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and brown on both sides until golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Toast the Rice: Add rice to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Cook Chicken and Rice: Return chicken to the skillet, cover tightly, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Finish with Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the skillet is covered tightly to cook the rice evenly.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 634 Total Fat: 40g Saturated Fat: 20g Trans Fat: 1g Unsaturated Fat: 17g Cholesterol: 193mg Sodium: 1094mg Carbohydrates: 19g Fiber: 0g Sugar: 3g Protein: 48g

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Hi, I’m Amanda! I’m here to bring you sweet, simple, from-scratch dessert recipes. My life is ruled by my sweet tooth. Send help (or chocolate)!

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