This Creamy Parmesan One Pot Chicken and Rice is the perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy to make, comforting, and full of flavor. With tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. The best part is that it’s all made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze! It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that combines the savory flavors of garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, creating a dish that is creamy, cheesy, and downright delicious.

This recipe is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or peas or even swap the chicken for another protein, such as turkey or shrimp. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a comforting meal for guests, this creamy chicken and rice is a go-to recipe that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The creamy, cheesy sauce envelops every grain of rice and piece of chicken, ensuring every bite is rich and flavorful. The chicken remains moist and tender, while the rice soaks up all the savory goodness from the broth, seasonings, and Parmesan. Plus, the one-pot method saves time and cleanup, making it an ideal dish for busy nights. This recipe is easily scalable and can be made ahead of time for a comforting, make-ahead meal. It’s a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love and will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Dish:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Butter
Large onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Italian seasoning
Pepper
Salt
Chicken broth
Long grain white rice
Heavy cream
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Variations

There are many ways to customize this dish based on your preferences and what you have on hand:

Vegetables: Add vegetables such as spinach, peas, or broccoli for added color and nutrition.
Cheese Variations: While Parmesan is a classic choice, you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a different take on the recipe.
Spice it Up: For a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the chicken

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the aromatics

In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the rice and broth

Stir in the rice, allowing it to lightly toast for a minute. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Add cream and Parmesan

Once the rice is cooked, return the chicken to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to create a creamy sauce. Let the dish simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese has melted, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for an added touch of color and freshness.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Rice type: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. If you substitute other types of rice, such as brown rice, you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid.
Creamy texture: If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to add more heavy cream or Parmesan cheese to suit your taste.
Broth: For extra flavor, use low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the salt in the dish.
Protein alternatives: If you’re using a different protein (like turkey or shrimp), adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure it’s cooked through.

How to Serve

This Creamy Parmesan One Pot Chicken and Rice is a filling and satisfying meal on its own, but you can serve it alongside other dishes to complete the meal:

Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the creamy dish.
Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce and add a little crunch to the meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or carrots are perfect vegetable sides to balance the richness of the chicken and rice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the dish becomes too thick during storage, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop with a little extra cream or broth to bring back the creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra cream or chicken broth to return the creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs will add more flavor and remain extra juicy.

2. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, half-and-half can be used as a lighter alternative to heavy cream, though it will result in a slightly less rich sauce.

3. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time and increase the amount of broth since brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and substituting the chicken with plant-based protein or additional vegetables like mushrooms.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Spinach, peas, or bell peppers are great additions that can be stirred in during the cooking process to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.

6. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken. Add it toward the end when you stir in the cream and Parmesan, just to heat it through.

7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep everything ahead of time and store the cooked chicken and rice separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and add the cream and cheese to finish the dish.

8. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While pre-grated Parmesan cheese can be used, freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor and melts more smoothly into the dish.

9. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool before freezing, and when reheating, add a little extra cream or broth to restore its creamy consistency.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your pot is large enough to hold all the ingredients, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan One Pot Chicken and Rice is the epitome of comfort food, with its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal. The combination of Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning makes each bite indulgent, and the versatility of the recipe means you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Simple, satisfying, and delicious, this one-pot meal will quickly become a go-to in your recipe rotation.