One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

As a busy parent, finding quick, tasty meals is hard. That’s why I’m excited to share this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe. It’s easy to make, affordable, and loved by everyone.

My mom used to make a dish like this when I was young. The smell of creamy sauce and chicken was amazing. Now, I’ve made it even better for my family.

In this article, I’ll show you how to make this one-pan wonder. I’ll share pro tips for the best texture. Plus, I’ll give you variation ideas for your family’s taste. Get ready to make this easy pan meals dinners, family meals with rice, and easy dinner recipes family of 4 often!

Why This Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe Will Become Your Go-To Meal

Finding a meal that’s tasty, healthy, and easy to make can be hard. But this creamy chicken and rice dish is perfect for many reasons.

Time-Saving Benefits

This recipe is quick and easy. It uses just one pan, saving you time on prep and cleaning. The one-pan cooking method mixes all the flavors together, making a complete meal with little effort.

Budget-Friendly Advantages

This chicken rice parmesan recipe is also budget-friendly. It uses simple, cheap ingredients to make a tasty meal. It’s great for chicken bulk meal prep, helping you save money while still eating well.

Family-Friendly Appeal

This healthy fun dinner recipe will please everyone. The creamy, comforting taste and tender chicken and rice are loved by all. Your family will enjoy this tasty and family-friendly meal.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

To make a tasty one-pan creamy Parmesan chicken and rice dish, pick the right ingredients. As a professional copywriter, I’ve found the best stuff for you. This recipe will be a hit with your family.

The chicken is key. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. They soak up all the flavors. For the rice, choose basmati or jasmine. It makes the dish creamy and smooth.

For the creamy Parmesan taste, you need grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. These mix together for a velvety sauce. Add onion, garlic, and herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

Finally, add simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika or Italian seasoning. With these, you’ll make a dish your family will love.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

To make the tasty one-pan creamy Parmesan chicken and rice, you need some basic tools. Having the right cookware and utensils makes cooking easier and better. Let’s look at what you need for this easy dinner recipe.

Pan Selection Guide

The key to this recipe is the pan you use. Choose a big, deep skillet or a Dutch oven with a heavy bottom. These pans cook evenly and prevent hot spots. They also keep the creamy sauce inside.

Additional Kitchen Tools

• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurately measuring the ingredients is crucial for consistently delicious results.
• Wooden or silicone spatula: Use a sturdy utensil to gently stir the chicken and rice, ensuring everything is well-incorporated.
• Ladle: A ladle will come in handy for serving the creamy Parmesan chicken and rice, allowing you to portion it out easily.
• Instant-read thermometer: Checking the internal temperature of the chicken is essential to ensure it is cooked through and safe to consume.

With these tools, you’re ready to make this easy dinner for your family. The right tools help you get the creamy texture and flavors right every time.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a tasty one-pan creamy parmesan chicken and rice dish is simple. Just follow these easy steps. You’ll make a dish that your family will love.

1. Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and spices. Put the chicken aside.
2. Heat some olive oil in a big, oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Put the chicken in and cook until it’s golden, about 3-4 minutes each side.
3. Take the chicken out and set it aside. Add diced onion to the pan and cook until it’s soft, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir it a lot so it doesn’t burn.
5. Pour in chicken broth and get all the brown bits from the bottom. Let it simmer.
6. Put in the uncooked rice, cover the pan, and turn the heat down. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is soft.
7. Put the chicken back in the pan, on top of the rice. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
8. Put the pan in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. The chicken should be done and the cheese melted.
9. Take the pan out of the oven and wait 5 minutes before serving. Your creamy parmesan chicken and rice is ready!

By following these easy steps, you can make a yummy chicken rice parmesan recipe. It’s perfect for any night of the week!

Pro Tips for Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture

Making the best family meal with rice and chicken needs focus on small details. As a skilled home chef, I’ve found some tips for a creamy texture. Let’s explore the secrets for tasty and simple dinner recipes for a family of 4.

Rice Cooking Techniques

The base of this dish is the rice. For a creamy texture, use short-grain or arborio rice. These types cook up creamy because they release more starch. Rinse the rice well before cooking to get rid of extra starch.

Cook the rice in broth for more flavor. This makes the dish even better.

Sauce Consistency Guidelines

The creamy sauce makes this recipe stand out. To get it just right, add the milk or cream slowly while stirring. Let the sauce simmer until it’s the right thickness. Don’t add too much liquid at once to avoid a watery sauce.

Parmesan cheese is key. It adds a rich, creamy taste that brings everything together.

Chicken Cooking Tips

• Sear the chicken for a golden-brown crust. This seals in juices and flavor.
• Cook the chicken until it’s 165°F. This makes it tender and fully cooked.
• Slice or shred the chicken before mixing it with rice and sauce. This blends the flavors well.

With these tips, you’ll make perfect family meals with rice and chicken. Your loved ones will want more. Enjoy the creamy, comforting taste of this easy dinner recipe that will be a favorite at home.

One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

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• Author: Jessica

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked basmati or jasmine rice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or rosemary

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika (or Italian seasoning).
2. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken on both sides for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics:

1. In the same pan, add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to let it burn.

3. Cook the Rice:

1. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
2. Stir in the uncooked rice and fresh thyme or rosemary.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

4. Combine Everything:

1. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, placing them on top of the cooked rice.
2. Pour the heavy cream over the chicken and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the top.

5. Bake to Perfection:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

This creamy chicken and rice dish is healthy and tasty. It’s great for healthy fun dinner recipes or quick and easy dinner recipes for family healthy.

One serving has 35 grams of protein, 40 grams of carbs, and 15 grams of healthy fats. This mix keeps you full and helps muscles recover. It also keeps blood sugar steady.

Chicken is full of lean protein, which is good for muscles and the immune system. Rice gives you energy and fiber, helping your digestion.

Parmesan cheese adds calcium for strong bones and teeth. It also has probiotics for a healthy gut.

Variations and Customization Options

This creamy chicken and rice recipe is super versatile. You can change the protein, add veggies, or try new seasonings. It’s a great way to make this dish a favorite in your home.

Protein Alternatives

Chicken is the main star, but you can swap it for other proteins. Here are some tasty options:

• Shrimp: Sauté a pound of peeled and deveined shrimp along with the chicken for a chicken shrimp rice recipes twist.
• Pork: Swap out the chicken for an equal amount of diced pork tenderloin or boneless pork chops.
• Turkey: Ground turkey or diced turkey breast also work well in this creamy one-pan dish.

Vegetable Add-ins

Adding fresh veggies can make this dish even better. Try these:

1. Broccoli florets
2. Diced bell peppers
3. Sliced mushrooms
4. Frozen peas
5. Chopped spinach or kale

Seasoning Variations

The original recipe uses Parmesan and herbs. But you can try different flavors. Here are some ideas:

• Taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex vibe
• Italian seasoning for an Italian-inspired twist
• Cajun or Creole seasoning for a little kick
• Lemon-pepper seasoning for a bright, zesty flavor

This dish is perfect for trying new things. Mix and match proteins, veggies, and seasonings. Make a one-pan chicken shrimp rice recipes that your family will love.

Storage and Meal Prep Guidelines

I’m always looking for recipes that help with meal planning and prep. This one-pan creamy parmesan chicken and rice is great for chicken bulk meal prep and easy pan meals dinners. Here are some tips to make the most of this tasty dish.

Leftover creamy parmesan chicken and rice can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, put it in a microwave-safe dish and heat until hot, stirring halfway. You can also reheat it on the stovetop with a bit of broth or milk to keep it creamy.

For meal prep, I make a double batch at the start of the week. I divide it into individual servings in containers and keep them in the fridge or freezer. This way, I have easy lunches or dinners all week. The rice and chicken stay good, and the sauce reheats wonderfully.

With a bit of planning, this creamy parmesan chicken and rice can save the day on busy weeknights. Enjoy the ease of chicken bulk meal prep and easy pan meals dinners with this versatile and tasty recipe.

Perfect Side Dish Pairings

The one-pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice dish is great for family dinners. But, what about side dishes? The right sides can make the meal even better. Let’s look at some tasty options that go well with this easy recipe.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts are perfect. They add sweetness and softness that matches the creamy chicken and rice.

Fresh Salad

A fresh salad is great to balance the meal. Try a simple green salad or a colorful mix with your favorite toppings.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a comfort food classic. It’s perfect for dipping into the sauce of the Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice.

Try these side dishes with your Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice. They add flavor and texture. Your family will love it and ask for more.

Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect one-pan creamy parmesan chicken and rice is fun. But, watch out for common mistakes. This way, your homemade meals will always be great.

Temperature Control Issues

Keeping the right temperature is key. Too high heat can cook the chicken too fast on the outside. Too low heat makes it soggy and takes longer.

Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s inside. Adjust the heat to keep it just right.

Ingredient Proportions

Getting the right mix of ingredients is important. Too much rice makes it dry. Too much liquid makes it soggy.

Measure your ingredients carefully. Stick to the recipe for the best results.

Timing Considerations

Timing is everything in this one-pan meal. Overcooking the chicken makes it dry. Undercooking is not safe.

Make sure the rice simmers long enough. It should be tender. Adjust cooking times for the best results.

By avoiding these mistakes, your chicken rice parmesan will always be delicious. Enjoy your meals without stress.

Customer Reviews and Success Stories

I love trying new recipes, and this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a favorite. The chicken is tender, and the rice is creamy. My family loves it and asks for it often.

This dish is great for busy nights. It’s easy to make and everyone loves it. My kids say it tastes amazing, and I’m happy it’s healthy.

Since I first made this recipe, it’s been a staple. The creamy texture and flavors are unmatched. It’s a comfort food that’s also good for us.