This creamy one pan chicken dinner with rice is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience — tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a velvety Parmesan sauce that comes together in a single skillet.
Light yet rich, this recipe fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and your table with smiles.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy One Pan Chicken Dinner with Rice
There’s something so comforting about creamy chicken and rice — especially when it’s all made in one pan.
This creamy one pan chicken dinner with rice feels fancy enough for company yet simple enough for a Tuesday night.
- One pan, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
- Creamy Parmesan sauce with garlic and herbs
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Great for families or meal prep
For more comforting skillet-style meals, try our Creamy Chicken Orzo.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to make your own creamy one pan magic:- Chicken thighs or breasts — 1 ½ lbs, boneless and skinless
- Olive oil — 2 tablespoons
- Garlic — 3 cloves, minced
- Onion — 1 small, finely chopped
- Long grain rice — 1 cup, uncooked
- Chicken broth — 2 cups
- Heavy cream — 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese — ½ cup, freshly grated
- Salt — 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper — ½ teaspoon
- Italian seasoning — 1 teaspoon
- Fresh parsley — for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Every step of this creamy one pan chicken dinner with rice brings warmth and balance — tender chicken, creamy rice, and that signature silky sauce.
Step 1 — Sear the Chicke
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2 — Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the same skillet.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly translucent.
Step 3 — Add the Rice
Stir in the uncooked rice and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
This adds a nutty flavor and helps it absorb the sauce perfectly.
Step 4 — Simmer Everything
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any golden bits.
Return the chicken to the skillet, reduce the heat, and cover.
Simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is nearly tender.
Step 5 — Make It Creamy
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
Cook uncovered for another 5–7 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and coats the rice beautifully.
Step 6 — Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of black pepper.
Serve directly from the skillet for a cozy, family-style presentation.
Creamy, garlicky, and deeply comforting — every bite melts into the next.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts better and gives the sauce a smooth texture.
- Don’t rush the simmering stage — it allows the rice to absorb the flavors.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter touch.
- Add spinach or peas for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
Serving Ideas
This creamy one pan chicken dinner with rice stands beautifully on its own, but you can elevate it with a few sides:
- A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted green beans or asparagus
- Crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce
If you love all-in-one meals, you’ll also adore our Quick Chicken Recipe for another fast dinner idea.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creaminess.
This dish freezes surprisingly well — thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations You Can Try
- Swap chicken for shrimp or turkey for a lighter version.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for a gourmet feel.
- Add a squeeze of lemon to brighten the creamy sauce.
Explore more inspiration in our Baked Chicken Recipes.
Creamy One Pan Chicken Dinner with Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add uncooked rice and stir to coat with oil and aromatics for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, return chicken, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until rice is nearly tender.
- Stir in cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Cook uncovered 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm straight from the skillet.
Nutrition
Notes
Did you make this recipe? Share a photo and tag us — Follow us at @chopped-beef_official for more
Share a photo and tag us — Follow us at @chopped-beef_official for moreFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant rice?
You can, but reduce the liquid slightly and shorten simmer time by half.
What if I don’t have Parmesan?
Use Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a similar flavor profile.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — replace heavy cream with coconut milk and omit cheese. It’s still wonderfully creamy!
Can I bake it instead?
Absolutely — assemble everything, cover, and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until creamy and bubbly.
Conclusion
This creamy one pan chicken dinner with rice is everything a family meal should be — hearty, cozy, and irresistibly simple.
It’s the kind of dinner that makes weeknights feel special, all while saving you time and dishes.
Let’s Stay Connected
If you enjoyed this recipe, come hang out with me on Instagram and Pinterest for more cozy dinners and easy weeknight ideas.
Save this recipe and tag me if you try it at home!