Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Skillet Dinner

If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that’ll make your family smile, you’ve come to the right place! Just the other night, my son Jake asked if we could have a 'cheesy chicken thing' for dinner. That’s when I knew I had to whip up this Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Skillet Dinner. It’s the perfect blend of creamy goodness and hearty flavors, making it one of my go-to chicken dinner recipes.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s a one-pan meal, so cleanup is a breeze.
• Packed with flavor, it’s sure to please even picky eaters.
• Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• You can customize it with your favorite veggies!

Pure Comfort

There’s something about a creamy chicken dish that just warms the heart. When I serve this Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice, it’s like wrapping my family in a cozy blanket. The rich flavors and creamy texture remind me of family dinners growing up, where laughter and love filled the air. It’s comfort food at its finest!

What You Need

• 2 1 lb chicken breasts – Can substitute with thighs for more flavor.
• 1 1 cup long-grain rice – Brown rice works too, but cooking time may vary.
• 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Shallots can be used for a milder flavor.
• 3 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• 2 2 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium broth is a healthier option.
• 1 1 cup heavy cream – Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
• 1 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated cheese melts better.
• 1 1 tsp Italian seasoning – Feel free to add more herbs if you like.
• to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust according to your preference.
• 2 2 tbsp olive oil – Butter can also be used for richer flavor.

Time to Cook

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prep the ingredients a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making everyone curious about dinner!
3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
4. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the rice and stir it for a minute to toast it slightly.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until it’s creamy and smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.

Make It Perfect

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
• Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end to suit your palate.
• If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes when cooking the onions.
• Don’t rush the browning of the chicken; it adds great flavor!
• Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.

Mix It Up

• Add spinach or kale for a nutritious boost.
• Mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
• Swap out the chicken for shrimp for a seafood variation.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with a side salad for a fresh crunch.
• Pair with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• A glass of white wine complements the dish beautifully.

💡 For more recipes, follow me on Pinterest.

FAQs

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Skillet Dinner is a delightful way to bring your family together around the table. It’s simple, quick, and oh-so-satisfying. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite chicken dinner recipes!

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice Skillet Dinner

A one-pan, creamy chicken and rice skillet dinner with Parmesan cheese, ideal for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

Main

• 2 1 lb chicken breasts Can substitute with thighs for more flavor
• 1 cup long-grain rice Brown rice works too, but cooking time may vary
• 1 large yellow onion, diced Shallots can be used for a milder flavor
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Garlic powder can be used in a pinch
• 2 cups chicken broth Low-sodium broth is a healthier option
• 1 cup heavy cream Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated cheese melts better
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning Feel free to add more herbs if you like
• to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to your preference
• 2 tbsp olive oil Butter can also be used for richer flavor

Equipment

• Large skillet

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
4. Add chicken breasts, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
6. Add rice to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to toast slightly.
7. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until rice is tender.
8. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy and smooth.
9. Return chicken to skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture, and cook 2-3 minutes until heated through.