Creamy Parmesan One Pot Chicken and Rice

Oh, you’re gonna love this one. Imagine tender chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked rice—all in one pot. No extra dishes, no stress, just pure comfort food.

I’ve made this recipe so many times, and it never fails. The rice soaks up all that rich, cheesy goodness, and the chicken stays juicy and flavorful. Plus, it’s crazy easy to make!

You get everything you want in a cozy meal—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. And the best part? It’s done in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze.

Let’s make this dreamy dish together. Grab a pot, and I’ll walk you through it. Trust me, you’re about to find a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Rich and Creamy: The combination of butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious texture.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
• Customizable: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas to make it even heartier.
• Family-Approved: A warm, cheesy dish that both kids and adults will love.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: About 50 minutes

Servings

• This recipe serves 4–6 people, making it great for family dinners or meal prep.

Difficulty Level

• Easy – Simple steps with no complicated techniques.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this creamy one-pot dish, you’ll need:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven – To cook everything in one pot.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and preventing sticking.
• Knife & cutting board – For chopping the chicken and onions.
• Measuring cups & spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient portions.
• Grater – To freshly grate Parmesan for maximum flavor.

Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Butter: Adds richness and enhances the creamy texture.
• Onion: Diced, for a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Minced, to infuse the dish with savory goodness.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a delicious touch.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors.
• Chicken Broth: Helps cook the rice while adding flavor.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Absorbs all the rich, savory flavors as it cooks.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the dish irresistibly creamy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor and meltability.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): For a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan One Pot Chicken and Rice (Step-by-Step Instructions)

This dish comes together in just a few simple steps, all in one pan. Follow these instructions to ensure a creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked dish.

1. Sauté the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
3. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked.
4. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics

1. In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and slightly translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

3. Toast the Rice & Deglaze the Pan

1. Add the uncooked long-grain white rice to the pan. Stir well to coat the rice in the butter and aromatics.
2. Let the rice toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step enhances its nutty flavor.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to maximize flavor.

4. Simmer Everything Together

1. Return the partially cooked chicken to the pan, along with any juices that have accumulated.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finishing Touches – Making It Creamy & Cheesy

Now that the rice is cooked and has absorbed the flavors, it’s time to add the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes this dish so irresistible.

5. Add the Cream and Cheese

1. Once the rice is tender, reduce the heat to low.
2. Pour in the ½ cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. This will make the dish rich and velvety.
3. Sprinkle in the ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add more salt or pepper to your liking).

6. Let It Rest

1. Turn off the heat and let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
2. This resting time allows the rice to absorb the final flavors and makes the texture even creamier.

7. Garnish and Serve

1. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to ensure even creaminess.
2. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness (optional).

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:

• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus complement the creamy texture.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of crusty garlic bread makes a perfect side.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

This dish stores well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prepping. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Although the creamy texture may change slightly, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

How to Reheat

• Stovetop: Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to the pan and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm. Add a little liquid to keep it from drying out.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as well and can make the dish grainy.
• Toast the Rice – A quick toast before adding the broth enhances the flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time – Letting it sit for 5 minutes before serving ensures the best texture.
• Add Veggies – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrients.
• Double the Recipe – This dish is great for meal prep or feeding a crowd!

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (Approx.)
Calories	480
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	9g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	2g
Sodium	780mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and may require additional broth and time.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute butter with olive oil, heavy cream with coconut milk, and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Try adding a splash of white wine before adding the broth, or mix in red pepper flakes for some heat.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

It’s best to cook the rice in the broth so it absorbs all the flavors, but if using pre-cooked rice, reduce the broth by half and add the rice toward the end.

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan One Pot Chicken and Rice is a comforting, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, with just one pan, cleanup is effortless!