Creamy Parmesan One Pot Chicken and Rice is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy Parmesan cheese, and perfectly cooked rice, all simmered together in a single pot for a fuss-free meal.
Parmesan cheese melts the richness into the rice, creating a creamy, flavorful base, while the chicken adds protein and a savory touch. Ideal for busy nights, this dish quickly prepares and delivers both taste and satisfaction in every bite. It is perfect for families or anyone looking for a simple, comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Quick and Easy
This dish is perfect for busy days. You only need one pot, saving time on both cooking and cleanup. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavor without any fuss.
All-In-One Meal
This dish includes chicken, rice, and a creamy sauce. It does not require extra sides, making it a great option for a stress-free dinner.
Kid-Friendly
The creamy texture and mild flavor make this a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a meal that everyone in the family will enjoy, even picky eaters!
Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and creamy dish:
- Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy chicken breasts provide the base of the dish. Sauté them until golden brown for maximum flavor.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is a light, healthy fat that helps cook the chicken evenly and adds flavor. It is used for searing the chicken.
- Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, balancing the flavors and helping the rice cook to perfection.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the dish with an aromatic flavor. It’s sautéed to bring out its natural sweetness and depth.
- Chicken Broth: This serves as the cooking liquid for the rice, adding a savory, full-bodied flavor. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
- Heavy Cream: The heavy Cream creates a smooth, creamy base for the sauce, making the dish extra comforting and rich.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese is the star ingredient. It gives the dish its signature nutty, salty flavor and contributes to the sauce’s creaminess.
- Long-Grain White Rice: Long-grain white rice works well because it cooks evenly and absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Black Pepper: Adds a little kick to balance the richness of the Cream and cheese. Freshly cracked black pepper is best.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, Italian seasoning ties all the ingredients together with a fragrant, savory note.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped Parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, providing a nice contrast to the creamy richness of the dish.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, cheesy dish:
- Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless) – 2, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Chicken Broth – 2 cups
- Heavy Cream – 1 cup
- Parmesan Cheese – 1 cup, freshly grated
- Long-Grain White Rice – 1 cup
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Fresh Parsley – for garnish
Directions
- Heat oil and butter: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add rice and broth: Stir in the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the Cream and cheese: Add the heavy Cream and Parmesan cheese after the rice has absorbed most of the broth. Stir to combine until the sauce is creamy and the rice is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh Parsley and serve hot.
Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Variation
While the classic recipe is a winner, you can easily customize this dish to suit your tastes. Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms. These add flavor and nutrition to the dish and pair wonderfully with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Use Different Proteins: While chicken breast is the usual protein, you can swap it for chicken thighs, shrimp, or even turkey. Each protein adds its unique flavor and texture to the dish.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the recipe. This will give the dish a mild kick that complements the sauce’s creaminess.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals, use gluten-free rice or pasta. You can also opt for gluten-free broth and ensure the Parmesan cheese is gluten-free.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some great ways to present this dish:
Simple Plating: Serve it in bowls for a comforting, cozy meal. Top with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped Parsley for a pop of color.
With a Side Salad: Pair this dish with a light side salad, such as mixed green or Caesar salad. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the creamy chicken and rice.
Add Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread perfectly complements this dish. The bread soaks up the creamy sauce, making each bite even more delicious.
For Special Occasions: Serve the dish on a special occasion by adding roasted vegetables or a glass of white wine to elevate the meal.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, you can store Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice for later enjoyment. Follow these storage tips to keep the dish fresh:
Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing: You can freeze this dish for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will last up to 2 months in the freezer. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or Cream to restore its creamy texture.
Reheating: Reheat the dish in a microwave-safe bowl, adding a little extra liquid to keep the rice from drying. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.
FAQs About Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts in this recipe. Ensure they are fully cooked, as thighs may take a little longer to cook.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the creaminess, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
What can I use instead of heavy Cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative to heavy Cream. However, the dish may be slightly less creamy.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove, adding a bit of liquid if needed.
Creamy Parmesan One Pot Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 cups chicken Broth
- 1 cup heavy Cream
- 1 cup parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1/2 tbsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add rice and broth: Stir in the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Stir in cream and cheese: After the rice has absorbed most of the broth, add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine until the sauce is creamy and the rice is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
