If you’re looking for an easy, comforting weeknight meal, look no further than One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice. This hearty dish combines tender chicken breasts with creamy, cheesy rice, all cooked together in one pan for minimal clean-up. Packed with flavor from garlic, paprika, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s ready in just 35 minutes!
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup long-grain rice
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions:
Prepare the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Rice: In the same skillet, add the rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until combined.
Simmer Together: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Tips:
Pair with Sides: Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Roasted broccoli or green beans complement the dish nicely.
Garnish: Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon juice over the top for extra flavor before serving.
Serving Dish: For a family-style meal, serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation. Alternatively, transfer to a decorative serving dish.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but it’s best to do so without the creamy sauce, as it may separate when reheated. To freeze, cool the dish completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
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FAQs:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work well in this recipe and may even add more flavor due to their higher fat content. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for doneness.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind, this might affect the richness and creaminess of the dish, so adding a bit more Parmesan can help maintain the texture.
What type of rice should I use?
Long-grain white rice is recommended because it absorbs the creamy sauce well without becoming mushy. If you prefer using brown rice or another variety, you’ll need to adjust the liquid amounts and cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop with a little extra broth or cream to prevent the rice from drying out. For the best results, add fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan just before serving.
Conclusion:
Enjoy the rich and creamy goodness of this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice—a meal that delivers big on flavor without much fuss. Perfect for busy nights when you need a comforting, satisfying dish in a flash!
📖 Recipe:
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One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is an easy and comforting weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts and creamy Parmesan rice, all cooked in a single skillet. This simple recipe combines flavorful chicken with a rich sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan, making it a family favorite. Perfect for busy nights with minimal clean-up!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup long-grain rice
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: One-Pan, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
