Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
This creamy Parmesan one-pot chicken rice recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce made with Parmesan and cream. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for a weeknight meal, requiring minimal cleanup and providing a satisfying blend of flavors and textures in just one pot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Dairy
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Liquids
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, for cooking chicken)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add rice and liquid: Add the uncooked rice to the pot with the chicken and stir to combine. Pour in 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth or water and season again with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer until cooked: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice and chicken simmer gently for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Stir in the cream and Parmesan: Once cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot: Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly, then serve warm as a hearty, comforting main course.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier texture.
- Use low-fat cream or milk as a lighter alternative, though the dish will be less rich.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or chopped onions when cooking the chicken.
- Freshly grated Parmesan yields the best creamy texture and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the dish rest uncovered for a few minutes after stirring in the cream and cheese.
Keywords: chicken rice, one pot meal, creamy chicken, Parmesan chicken recipe, easy dinner, comfort food
