There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a hearty, home-cooked meal coming together in just one pan. This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe is the perfect combination of savory chicken, creamy rice, and a cheesy Parmesan finish that’ll make your taste buds sing.

I first discovered this recipe during a busy week when I craved a satisfying meal without the hassle of multiple dishes to clean. It quickly became a staple in our home, loved by kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special!

Why You'll Love This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Get ready to embrace your new go-to dinner recipe. This dish is a lifesaver for busy evenings, offering a perfect balance of flavor, convenience, and minimal cleanup.

First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You’ll love how everything comes together in one pan, from browning the chicken to simmering the rice in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a seamless process that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Whether you want to add veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or swap out chicken thighs for breasts, you can tailor it to suit your family’s preferences.

Plus, the creamy Parmesan sauce takes it to the next level. The rich and cheesy flavors complement the tender chicken and fluffy rice perfectly, making each bite irresistible.

Finally, cleanup is a breeze. With just one pan to wash, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating a creamy, satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

Chicken thighs are the star of this recipe. Their rich flavor and tender texture make them the perfect choice for this dish. If you prefer chicken breasts, they work just as well—just be sure not to overcook them to keep them juicy.

Long-grain white rice ensures a fluffy texture that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. Avoid instant rice, as it tends to get mushy when cooked this way.

Chicken broth forms the base of the sauce, adding depth and savory richness to the dish. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt levels in your meal.

Heavy cream gives the sauce its luscious, creamy consistency. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can be used, though the result won’t be as rich.

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the hero ingredient that brings it all together. It melts into the sauce, adding a nutty, cheesy flavor that’s simply irresistible.

You’ll also need staples like garlic, butter, and olive oil to build layers of flavor. A heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan is recommended for even cooking and avoiding burnt spots.

How To Make This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Creating this comforting dish is straightforward, with everything happening in one pan for ultimate convenience.

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, adding a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same pan, melt a tablespoon of butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Be sure to scrape up the browned bits from the chicken; these add incredible flavor to the dish.

Add the rice to the pan, stirring to coat it in the garlicky butter. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Nestle the chicken back into the pan, cover, and let everything cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Once the rice has absorbed the liquid and become creamy, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the pan for an additional minute to allow the cheese to melt. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.

Storage Options

This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency, then warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.

If you want to freeze it, transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

Add mushrooms or spinach to the skillet for extra veggies and nutrients.
Swap out chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, though you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid slightly.
Experiment with different cheeses, like Gruyere or Fontina, for a unique flavor profile.
Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika.

The possibilities are endless, so feel free to make it your own. With this recipe as your base, you’ll have a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal every time.