Hearty Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe for Family Joy

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable parmesan chicken & rice that promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among fluffy rice grains, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Every forkful delivers a rich, creamy experience that melts in your mouth with robust parmesan undertones.

The recipe combines simple ingredients to produce an extraordinary meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Weeknight dinners just became significantly more delicious with this straightforward yet impressive dish.

Seasoned with aromatic herbs and finished with a golden parmesan crust, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Dive into this comforting classic and let the flavors transport you to culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Ingredient Guide

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully and creates a hearty main dish. Select fresh, plump breasts without discoloration for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, nutty depth and helps create a luxurious creamy texture. Choose authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for maximum flavor punch.

• Onion: Provides sweet, foundational flavor that builds complexity in the dish. Look for firm, smooth onions without soft spots.
• Garlic: Delivers bold, aromatic essence that elevates the entire recipe. Select firm, tight bulbs with no green sprouts.
• Olive Oil: Creates silky base for sautéing and adds subtle fruity undertones. Pick cold-pressed extra virgin for superior taste.

• Long-Grain White Rice: Serves as a fluffy, absorbent base that soaks up delicious cooking liquids. Choose high-quality rice for perfect texture.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses deep, savory notes and helps cook rice perfectly. Opt for low-sodium varieties to control salt levels.
• Heavy Cream: Generates incredibly smooth, rich sauce that coats every ingredient. Select fresh, high-fat cream for maximum decadence.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and highlight all other ingredients. Use freshly ground black pepper for best results.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light herbal note. Choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Tools That Simplify Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Prep

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and cooking the entire dish.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring rice and scraping bottom of pan.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and parsley.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure rice and broth.
• Cheese grater: Used for fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning and handling chicken during cooking.

Instructions to Cook Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Perfectly

Comfort Cheese Chicken Journey

• Chicken Preparation Moment

A delightful culinary adventure begins with seasoning tender chicken breasts. Sizzle the meat in a hot skillet until golden hints develop on each side, creating a beautiful exterior that promises rich flavor.

• Flavor Foundation

Introduce aromatic onions and garlic into the same warm skillet. Let them dance and release their delicate essence, transforming the cooking surface with their magical fragrance.

• Rice Transformation

Sprinkle rice across the skillet, allowing each grain to toast gently and absorb surrounding flavors. Watch as the grains become slightly golden and start releasing nutty whispers.

• Liquid Magic

Pour smooth chicken broth and silky cream into the pan. Stir gently, creating a luxurious landscape where ingredients will harmonize and create a creamy dreamscape.

• Gentle Merging

Nestle the golden chicken back into the pan. Cover with a snug lid, allowing everything to simmer softly. Each minute brings ingredients closer together in a tender embrace.

• Cheese Love

Generously shower Parmesan across the surface. Watch it melt into a dreamy blanket, coating each ingredient with tangy, rich goodness.

• Culinary Finale

Scatter fresh parsley on top, adding a bright green whisper to your completed masterpiece. Serve immediately and savor the comfort.

Tips to Boost Flavor in Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Flavor Fusion: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or fontina to create unique flavor profiles that complement the creamy chicken and rice.
• Protein Power-Up: Swap chicken breasts with boneless thighs for a richer, more tender meat option that absorbs flavors more intensely.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach during the sautéing stage to add extra nutrients and color to the dish, creating a more balanced meal.
• Spice Adventure: Elevate the flavor by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or dried herbs like thyme and rosemary to give the dish a personal twist and depth of taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish in advance and store in the refrigerator. Gently reheat in the oven or skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and freshness.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Comfortably

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Transform this creamy chicken and rice into a stunning main course for an intimate gathering, arranging the chicken atop a bed of rice and sprinkling extra Parmesan for dramatic presentation.
• Green Freshness Boost: Complement the rich dish with a crisp side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture and add vibrant color to your plate.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or glazed carrots to enhance nutritional value and provide delightful textural contrast to the smooth rice and tender chicken.
• Leftover Magic Remix: Shred remaining chicken and mix with rice for a delicious next-day lunch wrap or stuff into warm tortillas with extra cheese for a quick, satisfying meal transformation.

Store Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice the Right Way

• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Transfer leftovers to airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Keep the chicken and rice mixture sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerated meals stay delicious for 3-4 days when stored properly.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm portions in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir gently while heating to distribute warmth evenly and maintain the creamy texture. Microwave works in a pinch, but skillet reheating preserves better flavor and consistency.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Portion cooled chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze flat for efficient storage, lasting up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating to keep the dish's original creamy quality.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare double batches and portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Use clear containers to quickly identify meals and track freshness. Label with the date of preparation to ensure optimal enjoyment and food safety.

Ultimate Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade creamy parmesan chicken & rice delivers comfort on a plate with cheesy, savory goodness. Quick weeknight dinners welcome this hearty meal that satisfies hungry families and brings warmth to the table.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup (185 g) long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
• 1 onion (small, finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Parsley, fresh (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Searing Preparation: Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a perfect golden crust on each side of the chicken. Remove and set aside.
2. Aromatic Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent, releasing their fragrant essence and building a flavor base.
3. Rice Toasting: Add uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring constantly to achieve a golden, nutty characteristic without burning the grains.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, combining thoroughly to create a smooth, cohesive liquid base. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Cooking Fusion: Return seared chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the rice mixture. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and allow everything to cook for 20-25 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken reaches optimal doneness.
6. Final Embellishment: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted, creating a rich, creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
7. Serving: Plate the creamy Parmesan chicken and rice, ensuring an even distribution of chicken and rice in each serving.

Notes

• Searing Secret: Achieving a golden-brown crust on chicken requires high heat and dry meat surface; pat chicken with paper towels before seasoning.
• Rice Toasting Technique: Stirring rice constantly during toasting prevents burning and develops a deeper, nuttier flavor profile that enhances overall dish complexity.
• Liquid Ratio Matters: Use precise measurements of chicken broth and cream to ensure perfectly cooked rice with creamy, consistent texture.
• Temperature Control: Low and slow cooking after initial searing helps chicken remain juicy while allowing rice to cook evenly without scorching.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg