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Mark Anthony

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

A rich and comforting one-skillet dish, this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is packed with juicy seared chicken, fluffy rice, and a velvety garlic-parmesan sauce. It's a hearty weeknight dinner your family will love, and it all comes together in under an hour with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American comfort food
Calories: 560
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken & Rice:
  • 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 2½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella optional, for extra cheesiness
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Baby spinach stirred in at the end
  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • Steamed broccoli or peas

Method
 

Sear the Chicken
  1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
  1. In the same pan, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant — about 2–3 minutes.
Add the Rice and Liquid
  1. Pour in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Return Chicken and Simmer
  1. Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan. Reduce heat, cover, and cook on low for 20–25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Add the Cheese
  1. Remove the lid. Sprinkle in parmesan and mozzarella, stir gently, and let it melt into creamy perfection. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve & Savor
  1. Let rest 5 minutes, then plate it up. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad — or just dig in straight from the pan. No shame.

Notes

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice – Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips & Techniques
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts—season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for deep flavor.
Sear the chicken first to lock in juices and build a golden crust before simmering with the rice.
Use long grain white rice (like jasmine or basmati)—avoid quick-cook varieties as they may turn mushy.
Simmer covered on low until the rice is tender and creamy—don’t rush this part; low and slow keeps everything rich and tender.
Fold in freshly grated Parmesan at the end for best melt and nutty flavor—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Serving Suggestions
Top with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan just before serving for a fresh, cheesy finish.
Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the creaminess.
Drizzle with a little lemon juice or serve with lemon wedges to brighten the dish.
Serve with garlic toast or warm dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or easy Sunday meal prep.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead: Season and sear chicken in advance, or make the full dish up to 1 day ahead and gently reheat.
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm slowly on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
Tasty Variations to Try
Spinach & Mushroom: Stir in sautéed mushrooms and baby spinach near the end for earthy flavor and extra greens.
Creamy Garlic Herb: Add Italian seasoning and extra minced garlic for a herbaceous twist.
Bacon Parmesan: Toss in crispy bacon bits for added smokiness and crunch.
Southwest Style: Add corn, black beans, and a touch of cumin or chili powder for a Tex-Mex variation.
Low-Carb Swap: Use riced cauliflower in place of rice—adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.