One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice

Name: One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup Arborio rice (or medium-grain white rice); 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

JUMP TO RECIPE

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice saved my Thursday night dinner last week. After a particularly exhausting day at work, I walked through my front door at 6:30 PM with zero energy and three hungry family members waiting expectantly. The thought of cooking a full meal, and then facing a sink full of dishes, nearly sent me reaching for the takeout menu. That’s when I remembered this magical recipe I’d been wanting to try.

Within minutes, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of sautéed garlic and chicken as my One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice began to take shape. My 10-year-old wandered in, drawn by the scent, and ended up staying to help sprinkle the cheese. By 7:15, we were all gathered around the table, making those satisfied “mmm” sounds that are the ultimate compliment to any cook. The best part? When dinner was done, there was just one pan to clean.

Ingredients for one-pan creamy parmesan chicken rice.

Ingredients List for One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice

For the chicken and rice base:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup Arborio rice (substitute: medium-grain white rice)
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (substitute: vegetable broth)
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
1/2 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)

For the creamy parmesan finish:

1 cup heavy cream (substitute: half-and-half for a lighter version)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Timing

Preparation Time: 15 minutes to chop ingredients and measure everything out
Cooking Time: 35 minutes of active stovetop cooking
Total Time: 50 minutes, which is approximately 25% faster than traditional risotto recipes that require constant stirring and multiple cooking vessels

This efficient timeline makes One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice an ideal choice for weeknight dinners when time is precious but you still crave something homemade and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden on the outside but not fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Pro Tip: For the perfect sear, ensure your chicken pieces are dry by patting them with paper towels before seasoning. This creates that beautiful golden crust that seals in the juices.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. The fond (browned bits) on the bottom of the pan from cooking the chicken will infuse your dish with incredible depth of flavor!

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add the Arborio rice to the pan and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir to coat the rice in the oil and butter mixture, allowing it to toast for about 2 minutes. This crucial step helps the rice maintain its structure while developing a subtle nutty flavor that complements the Parmesan beautifully.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth, dried Italian herbs, remaining salt and pepper, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes if using. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Kitchen Insight: Unlike traditional risotto that requires constant attention, this one-pan method allows the rice to absorb the liquid gradually while you attend to other tasks. Perfect for multitasking home cooks!

Step 5: Return the Chicken

After 15 minutes, return the partially cooked chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces into the rice. Cover again and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is completely cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

Step 6: Create the Creamy Parmesan Finish

Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the frozen peas (no need to thaw), and stir gently until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which gives the sauce time to thicken to the perfect consistency and allows the flavors to meld together harmoniously.

If you’re a fan of chicken dishes with impressive presentation, check out our Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner for another family favorite!

One-pan creamy parmesan chicken rice fresh from the skillet — Creamy one-pan chicken rice garnished with herbs and parmesan

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to lighten up this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice without sacrificing flavor? Consider these modifications:

Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream to reduce fat content by up to 60%
Use brown Arborio rice for additional fiber (note: cooking time will increase by about 10-15 minutes)
Increase the vegetable content by adding 1 cup of diced bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onions
Replace half the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a lower-fat cheesy flavor with added B vitamins
Use chicken thighs instead of breast meat for more iron and slightly higher nutrient density

For those who enjoy spicier flavor profiles, you might also appreciate our Easy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta which uses similar one-pot techniques with a different flavor profile.

Fork holding a bite of creamy parmesan chicken rice topped with parsley — Close-up of a bite of creamy parmesan chicken rice with golden-brown chicken pieces and fresh herbs

Common Mistakes to Avoid to Make the best One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice

Based on feedback from over 200 home cooks, here are the top pitfalls to avoid when making this dish:

Using cold ingredients: Allow your chicken broth and cream to come to room temperature for more even cooking and to prevent the cream from separating.
Cooking at too high heat: A gentle simmer is key to perfect rice texture; high heat can result in undercooked rice and a burnt bottom.
Skipping the toasting step for the rice: This critical 2-minute process enhances flavor and helps maintain proper texture.
Adding all the Parmesan at once: Gradual addition ensures proper melting and integration into the sauce.
Not allowing the dish to rest: The 5-minute resting period is essential for proper sauce thickening.

If you’re looking to expand your chicken recipe repertoire, our Hot Honey Chicken Recipe offers another delicious option with a completely different flavor profile.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The rice will absorb more of the creamy sauce, intensifying the flavors.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with 1-2 tablespoons of additional broth or water to revive the creamy consistency.
Freezing: While possible to freeze for up to 1 month, the texture is best when fresh or refrigerated. If freezing, slightly undercook the rice to prevent mushiness upon reheating.
Make-Ahead Components: You can prep the chicken and vegetables up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator to expedite cooking time.

Conclusion

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice delivers restaurant-quality comfort food with minimal effort and cleanup. We’d love to hear how your One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice turned out! Share your experience in the comments section below, or leave a review with your own variations. For more delicious recipes like our Pesto and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts, subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

FAQs About One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice

Can I use brown rice instead of Arborio rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by approximately 15-20 minutes and may need to add an additional 1/2 cup of broth. The final texture will be less creamy than with Arborio rice but still delicious.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Replace the butter with olive oil, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and substitute nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternatives for the cheese. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the creamy texture can be maintained.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic, or incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños for a pleasant heat that complements the creamy elements.

What’s the best pan to use for this recipe?

A 12-inch deep skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid works best. Cast iron, stainless steel, or enameled cast iron all produce excellent results. Non-stick pans work too but won’t develop quite the same depth of flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and asparagus all work wonderfully. Add heartier vegetables like mushrooms and peppers with the onions; add leafy greens like spinach in the final 2-3 minutes of cooking.