Creamy Parmesan Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy Parmesan Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup Arborio rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 small onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Classic Family Meals

I love making Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice for my family. It’s a comforting dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice is simply irresistible. I cherish the moments when we enjoy this dish, sharing stories and laughter over a warm meal. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests with minimal effort. Just one bite, and you'll see why it's one of our favorites!

Created by

Rosie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-02-16T11:33:37.369Z

When I first attempted to make Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice, I was unsure how well the flavors would meld. But after a few tries, I discovered that the key was to let the chicken marinate briefly in a mix of seasonings before searing it. This small step made a world of difference, ensuring each bite was bursting with flavor.

Another tip I found invaluable was using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged. It melts beautifully and adds a rich, authentic taste that elevates the entire dish. Trust me, taking a minute to grate your cheese is worth it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Lush creaminess that comforts the soul
Savory Parmesan flavor that elevates chicken
Simple ingredients transform into a gourmet meal

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

The key to achieving a luscious creamy sauce in this recipe is to use high-quality heavy cream. It not only enhances richness but also ensures a silky texture. When you stir in the cream after simmering the rice, bring the heat back to low to prevent the cream from boiling, which can curdle it. The Parmesan cheese should be added off the heat to maintain its smooth, creamy consistency without clumping.

Don't underestimate the importance of seasoning. Since chicken broth and Parmesan can vary in saltiness, taste your sauce before serving. If it needs a little boost, a pinch of salt or a touch of freshly cracked black pepper can make a significant difference. For a hint of brightness, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving; it complements the richness beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Arborio rice on hand, you can substitute it with another short-grain rice like Carnaroli or even a long-grain rice, but you may need to adjust the liquid and cooking times. Long-grain rice typically requires more water and a slightly longer cooking time, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.

For a lighter dish, you can replace the heavy cream with a mixture of half-and-half and a bit of cornstarch to thicken it. This will give you a similar creamy texture without the added calories. Additionally, if you're looking to make this dish gluten-free, ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten additives.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup Arborio rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Now you have everything you need to get started!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy masterpiece.

Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Cook the Rice

Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted. Then pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.

Finish the Dish

Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Your creamy dinner is ready to be devoured!

Pro Tips

For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the flavor and tenderness. Also, adjusting the amount of broth can help control the creaminess of the dish to suit your liking.

Storage Tips

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain creaminess and prevent drying out. Heat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through, ensuring the creamy sauce doesn't separate.

If you plan to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the chicken and rice separately. Store the creamy sauce in the fridge and combine everything just before serving. This method helps keep the dish from becoming too soggy and allows the flavors to meld beautifully at the last minute.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs excellently with simple sides like steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad, which can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and rice. Consider drizzling a bit of balsamic glaze over the salad for an extra kick of flavor.

For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or warm crusty rolls to soak up the flavorful sauce. If you're entertaining, try plating the dish on a large serving platter and garnishing it with additional grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for an inviting presentation that will impress your guests.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of rice?

You can use other short-grain rice varieties, but Arborio is preferred for its creaminess.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half, but the dish may not be as rich.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

It's best to consume it fresh, but you can freeze it if necessary. Just be aware it may alter the texture.