Creamy Parmesan Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy Parmesan Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Cozy Food

I absolutely love making Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice for dinner. It's a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and rice into a single pan. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that my family can't get enough of. Plus, it's quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. I love how the Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory taste that elevates the entire dish, and you won't believe how easy it is to whip up in just one pot.

Created by

Octavia Bellamy

Last updated on 2026-02-16T03:33:36.441Z

Every time I make this Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice, I'm reminded of family gatherings where this dish would steal the show. It's simple yet incredibly flavorful, thanks to the depth that the Parmesan cheese adds. I like to add a splash of cream for extra richness, which makes the sauce velvety!

The best part? This recipe is a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup after dinner. I've found that using jasmine rice absorbs the flavors beautifully and gives it a light yet creamy consistency that pairs perfectly with the chicken.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy, rich sauce bursting with flavor
One-pot meal for easy cleanup
Quick preparation perfect for busy weeknights

Mastering the One-Pot Technique

One of the highlights of the Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice recipe is its one-pot nature, which makes cleanup a breeze. To ensure success with this method, it's important to use a skillet with a tight-fitting lid. This helps trap steam while the rice cooks, allowing it to absorb the chicken broth thoroughly for maximum flavor. A golden-brown crust on the chicken will also enhance the dish, so don’t rush the initial sautéing—aim for about five minutes per side over medium heat.

As the rice cooks alongside the chicken, keep an eye on it. If you notice the liquid level dropping too quickly, you can add a splash more chicken broth or water to prevent it from sticking or burning. Properly monitoring the heat will ensure that everything cooks evenly, resulting in tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice that absorbs all those delicious flavors.

Understanding Ingredient Roles

The choice of jasmine rice in this recipe is deliberate, as its fragrant quality and slightly sticky texture create a delightful mouthfeel in combination with the creamy sauce. Unlike long-grain varieties that can become dry, jasmine rice holds moisture well, complementing the dish's richness beautifully. In case you need a substitute, arborio rice can offer a similar texture, but it may require a little longer to cook as it absorbs liquid differently.

Parmesan cheese not only delivers a nutty, salty flavor but also serves as a thickening agent when melted into the sauce. For a twist, you might consider using Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Just remember to adjust the salt since this cheese can be saltier than Parmesan. Incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also add a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce, elevating the dish even further.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice makes for excellent make-ahead meals. You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. When ready to serve, simply reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a dash of chicken broth to rehydrate the sauce if needed. This method retains the dish’s creaminess while ensuring each component remains flavorful and delicious.

If you have leftovers, it’s easy to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce's consistency. Additionally, for those interested in freezing, this dish can be frozen for up to two months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly on the stove.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice:

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready before starting the cooking process! This will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your dish:

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Cook the Garlic and Rice

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the uncooked rice and stir to coat with the oil. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Combine and Simmer

Add the chicken back into the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.

Add Cream and Cheese

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious, creamy chicken and rice!

This dish is best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the dish. They complement the creamy sauce perfectly!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice experience, consider serving it alongside a simple side salad dressed with light vinaigrette. The crunchy texture and acidity of a fresh salad beautifully complement the creamy richness of the rice and chicken, creating a balanced meal. You could also add a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, to incorporate more nutritional variety and color on the plate.

For a heartier meal, incorporating some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top of the dish just before serving can add a wonderful crunch. If you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon can brighten the whole dish, cutting through the richness and making every bite more refreshing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your rice isn't cooking properly and still feels tough after the suggested 15 minutes, it may need additional liquid. Always check for adequate broth in the skillet—if it seems too dry, adding a bit more time with a splash of water or broth can save your dish. Covering with a tight lid allows even heat distribution and steam retention, which is critical for cooking rice evenly.

Conversely, if you notice your creamy sauce has become too thick, you can easily adjust it by stirring in some additional heavy cream or broth until you reach your desired consistency. This keeps the creaminess alive and ensures that every spoonful is satisfying without being overly dry.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid, so adjust accordingly.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk with a thickener, but it may change the creaminess of the sauce.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can prepare the chicken and rice mixture ahead of time and add the cream and cheese just before serving.

→ What side dishes pair well with this recipe?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make a perfect accompaniment to this dish.