Creamy Parmesan Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy Parmesan Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Feel-Good Plates

I absolutely love making Creamy Parmesan Chicken And Rice for dinner, especially on busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and fluffy rice creates a comforting dish that everyone in my family enjoys. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also a perfect way to elevate simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. With just a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes, you can have a delicious and hearty meal on the table that will impress your loved ones.

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2026-02-16T12:13:36.550Z

When I first made Creamy Parmesan Chicken And Rice, I didn't expect it to become a family favorite so quickly. The best part is how the flavors meld together, creating a rich and satisfying dish that seems far more complicated than it really is. I love using freshly grated parmesan for an extra touch of richness and depth.

Throughout my cooking journeys, I’ve discovered that using chicken thighs instead of breasts adds moisture and flavor to the dish. The time spent searing the chicken perfectly makes a difference in the overall taste, ensuring that each bite is packed with savory goodness.

You'll Love This Recipe Because
It’s a total one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
Rich and creamy sauce perfectly coats every grain of rice.
Great for meal prep—delicious leftovers for the next day!

Elevating the Basics

In this Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice recipe, the combination of chicken thighs and long-grain rice provides a solid foundation. Chicken thighs are not only more flavorful than chicken breasts, but they also remain tender and moist even if slightly overcooked. This ensures that the overall texture of the dish is rich and succulent, a quality that is truly vital for achieving that restaurant-quality meal at home.

The long-grain rice is key for absorbing the creamy sauce and chicken broth, creating a delightful blend of flavors. Its fluffy texture balances the richness from the heavy cream and Parmesan, so you end up with a well-rounded dish rather than one that feels overly heavy. Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which will further enhance its texture and prevent it from becoming gummy.

Making the Sauce Shine

The sauce in this dish is where the magic happens. By combining heavy cream with grated Parmesan cheese, you create a luscious coating for the rice and chicken. It's important to stir the cheese in gently after the rice has cooked, allowing it to melt evenly and incorporate fully into the sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, you can easily adjust the consistency by adding a splash of additional chicken broth or cream.

Using freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated versions is also vital. Freshly grated cheese has a superior meltability and imparts a richer flavor to the dish. If you're in a pinch, Pecorino Romano can be an interesting substitute for a sharper flavor profile, so feel free to experiment while keeping in mind the creaminess that should remain the star.

Ingredients

For the chicken and rice

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Rice

In the same skillet, add the rice and stir for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Once boiling, reduce the heat and return the chicken to the skillet.

Add Cream and Cheese

Cover the skillet and cook for 15 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the sauce is creamy and everything is well combined.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your creamy and flavorful chicken and rice!

Pro Tips

For a lighter version, you can substitute half and half for the heavy cream and use brown rice instead of white for added nutrition.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice holds up remarkably well for meal prep. Once fully cooled, transfer it to an airtight container, where it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. The creamy nature of the dish might cause some separation upon chilling, but a quick stir before reheating will help bring it back together.

When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the dish on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out. You may need to add a bit of chicken broth or a splash of cream to loosen the sauce back to its original creamy consistency. Microwaving is also an option but be cautious to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Variations to Try

If you want to jazz things up a bit, consider adding vegetables to the dish. Bell peppers, peas, or spinach can easily be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking, adding color and nutritional value without compromising the cooking process. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are tender but still vibrant.

For an added depth of flavor, you might try incorporating herbs such as thyme or basil into the sauce. You can either mix them in while incorporating the cream and cheese or sprinkle fresh herbs on top as a garnish before serving. This not only elevates the dish but also adds freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy elements.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breasts can dry out. Make sure not to overcook them.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure to store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables would complement the creamy chicken and rice perfectly.