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One-Pan Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Featured in Chicken.

Needed something quick, and this meal worked out perfectly! Threw everything in a pan, and the flavors came together beautifully. The rice soaked up chicken broth and cheese, making it super creamy. Tossed in frozen peas for color at the end. My kids cleared their plates—miracle! Plus, just one dish to clean. Awesome for busy nights.
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Updated on Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:24:44 GMT
Close-up of golden brown chicken set atop creamy rice, sprinkled with fresh parsley. Pin it
Close-up of golden brown chicken set atop creamy rice, sprinkled with fresh parsley. | tasteofmoms.com

Fantastic Single-Skillet Parmesan Chicken With Cream

I've fallen head over heels for this single-skillet parmesan chicken with cream. The tender chicken sits on a bed of perfectly cooked rice, all bathed in an incredible creamy parmesan sauce. What I adore most is how everything cooks in one pan, building incredible flavor while keeping dishwashing to a minimum.

The Brilliance Behind This One-Dish Delight

What makes this single-skillet parmesan chicken so incredible is the way flavors meld as everything simmers together. The rice drinks up all the tasty goodness while the chicken stays juicy and soft. It's the type of dinner that seems fancy but won't leave you slaving away for hours.

Your Ingredient List

  • Chicken Breasts: They become incredibly moist in this sauce.
  • Rice: Grab the long grain white variety for best results.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Go for freshly grated for superior taste.
  • Chicken Broth: It infuses the rice with wonderful taste.
  • Heavy Cream: This creates that luxurious smoothness.
  • Aromatics: Onion and garlic form your flavor foundation.
Golden chicken breasts nestled in creamy rice in a skillet, topped with fresh parsley garnish. Pin it
Golden chicken breasts nestled in creamy rice in a skillet, topped with fresh parsley garnish. | tasteofmoms.com

Cooking Steps Breakdown

Tackle The Chicken First
Give those breasts a good seasoning and brown them nicely before setting them aside.
Create Your Flavor Foundation
Soften those onions and garlic until they're fragrant and tempting.
Give Rice Special Treatment
Don't skip browning the rice first for that extra dimension of taste.
Combine Everything
Pour in your liquids return the chicken cover and let everything bubble gently.
Add The Final Touch
Mix in that parmesan until completely melted then sprinkle with parsley for color.

My Personal Cooking Tips

Always brown the rice first for that nutty flavor boost. Want something even juicier? Switch to chicken thighs. Looking to cut carbs? Try it with cauliflower rice instead. I sometimes throw in a handful of spinach or some frozen peas for extra color and nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Could I use different types of rice?

Long-grain white rice works best as it matches the cooking time. If you opt for another variety, cooking time and liquid levels may need tweaking.

→ How do I keep the rice from sticking?

Try toasting the rice beforehand and be sure to keep the heat steady while cooking.

→ Can I swap in chicken thighs instead?

Sure, boneless thighs are a great alternative. Just expect a slightly longer cooking time.

→ What’s the purpose of toasting the rice?

Giving the rice a light toast not only adds extra flavor but also keeps it from getting soggy or mushy.

→ Can this be made lighter?

Swapping heavy cream for half-and-half makes it lighter, but the final dish won’t be as rich and creamy.

Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Golden chicken breasts nestled in creamy Parmesan rice—a cozy meal that's just right for hectic evenings.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Chicken

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italo-American

Yield: 4 Servings (1 skillet)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 small onion, diced.
02 3 minced garlic cloves.
03 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts.
04 Salt and pepper, as needed.
05 2 tablespoons olive oil.
06 2 cups chicken stock.
07 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
08 Long-grain white rice, 1 cup.
09 Chopped fresh parsley for the top.
10 1 cup heavy cream.

Instructions

Step 01

Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken pieces.

Step 02

Cook chicken in hot oil until golden, then take it out.

Step 03

Use the same skillet to cook onion and garlic.

Step 04

Toss the rice in, cook it for a couple of minutes until it smells nutty.

Step 05

Pour cream and stock into the skillet. Give it a good stir.

Step 06

Place chicken back into the mixture.

Step 07

Cover the skillet, let it bubble gently for around 20 minutes.

Step 08

Mix in the Parmesan until smooth and melted.

Step 09

Sprinkle parsley over everything right before serving.

Notes

  1. Stick to long-grain rice to avoid sticky texture.
  2. Toasting rice prevents it from becoming gummy.
  3. Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts.
  4. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you prefer.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pan with a lid.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from Parmesan and cream.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 634
  • Total Fat: 40 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 19 g
  • Protein: 48 g