The Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice is that cozy, soul-warming meal every home cook dreams about: incredibly simple to prepare, yet so flavorful and luxuriously creamy that it feels like pure comfort in every bite. Succulent pieces of chicken nestle perfectly with tender rice, all enveloped in a silky parmesan-laced sauce brightened by a sprinkle of fresh herbs. With ingredients you probably already have stashed away, this dish promises minimal effort and maximum deliciousness—making it a weeknight hero and a family favorite all year round.

Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice are delightfully straightforward—nothing fancy or hard to find, just everyday essentials that work together to create a harmonious and utterly craveable meal. Each component brings its own magic, layering flavor, texture, and a pop of color for an irresistibly creamy, savory skillet supper.

Olive oil: Adds richness to the base and helps brown the chicken for extra flavor.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, these bite-sized pieces soak up all the creamy goodness.
Yellow onion: Its sweetness forms the aromatic backbone of the dish.
Garlic cloves: A must for deep flavor—don’t skimp!
Long-grain white rice: Stays fluffy and absorbs all the savory broth, holding everything together.
Chicken broth: Infuses every grain of rice with juicy, savory flavor.
Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, velvety sauce everyone loves.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts right in, giving the dish its signature cheesy creaminess.
Salt and black pepper: Absolute essentials for boosting all the natural flavors.
Paprika (optional): Adds a gentle warmth and beautiful color.
Frozen peas (optional): Toss in for a pop of sweetness and lovely green color.
Chopped fresh parsley: The finishing touch—fresh, vibrant, and pretty for garnishing.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika if you love a little color and depth. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until the chicken is just starting to brown. You’re not looking for fully cooked chicken yet—just a gorgeous golden crust for flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Onions and Garlic

Toss the diced onion and minced garlic right into the pan with the chicken. Cook everything together for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. Watch as the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their sweetness and mingling with that rich, garlicky aroma. This is where the flavor magic really begins!

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Now it’s time for the rice to join the party. Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, letting it toast for about a minute with the chicken and aromatics. This quick step helps lock in the rice’s structure and brings a subtle, nutty flavor to the finished dish.

Step 4: Simmer With Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it all to a cheerful boil. As soon as you see those bubbles, reduce the heat to low, cover your pot, and let it simmer gently for 18–20 minutes. The rice will soak up the broth, the flavors will meld, and everything will become tender and irresistible.

Step 5: Stir in Cream, Parmesan, and Peas

Lift the lid and give things a good stir—almost there! Pour in the heavy cream, sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese, and stir in those vibrant green peas if you’re using them. Let it all cook together for 2–3 more minutes until the cream and cheese meld perfectly, and the peas are just heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed, then top it off with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

Bring your dish to life with a scattering of freshly chopped parsley for color, and maybe a flurry of extra parmesan for that irresistible cheesy finish. A few cracks of fresh black pepper on top will make each bite pop. The Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice loves to stand out with these final touches!

Side Dishes

This dish already packs comfort and flavor, but it pairs beautifully with a simple leafy salad dressed in lemon or a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or carrots. A crusty slice of bread is optional but highly recommended to mop up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice in individual bowls for a cozy, rustic feel, or dress it up on a large platter with parsley and lemon wedges for an eye-catching centerpiece. If you want to get extra fancy, spoon it into ramekins, top with a little more cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring into an airtight container. Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy next-day dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the cooled chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or bags. While it will keep for up to 2 months, be aware that the sauce may lose some creaminess after thawing—but a splash of cream mixed in during reheating brings it right back to its luscious self.

Reheating

For best results, reheat portions gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or cream if needed. This keeps the Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice smooth and creamy, just like the first day.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and flavor to Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as directed.

Is it possible to use brown rice?

You can swap in brown rice for a heartier bite, but note that it will need extra cooking time and a bit more liquid. Allow at least 10–15 extra minutes for the rice to become tender and fully cooked.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a full-fat unsweetened coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. The texture may change slightly, but the dish will still turn out rich and creamy.

Can this be made vegetarian?

Of course! Leave out the chicken and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. To keep the dish hearty, add more vegetables like mushrooms, baby spinach, or steamed broccoli along with the peas.

Will the rice get mushy if I make it ahead?

If stored and reheated properly, the rice should hold its texture fairly well. If it does turn a bit softer, adding an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a dash of cream when reheating brings back that signature silky finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a dinner that delivers big on comfort and flavor without hours in the kitchen, Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice checks every box. I hope you’ll grab these simple ingredients and give it a try—it’s bound to become a beloved staple at your table!

Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 25 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to make in just one pot. Tender chicken, flavorful rice, and creamy Parmesan cheese come together for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 1/4 cups chicken broth

Creamy Sauce:

1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Additional:

1 cup frozen peas (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Cook until lightly browned but not fully cooked.
Saute Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until fragrant and translucent.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in rice and toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
Finish the Dish: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and peas if using. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until creamy and heated through. Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve.