One Pan Chicken and Rice
A creamy one-pan chicken and rice dinner made with chicken, vegetables, rice, chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
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Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
1 tablespoon oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Salt and pepper
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
2 cups frozen peas and carrots
1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken with onion until lightly browned and onion is translucent.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, paprika, and pepper.
- Cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, peas and carrots, and rinsed rice.
- Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and reduce heat.
- Cook until rice is tender.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust seasoning and serve.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts.
- Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth.
- Peas and carrots can be replaced with other vegetables.
- Cream and Parmesan can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Nutritional Information Disclaimer:
- Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and quantities used.
This One Pan Chicken and Rice is a simple, comforting dinner made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, vegetables, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Everything cooks together in one skillet, creating a complete meal with minimal cleanup and plenty of familiar flavors.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this chicken and rice recipe combines savory seasonings, creamy texture, and hearty ingredients in a practical one-pan format. The rice absorbs the chicken broth and seasonings while the chicken cooks to create a flavorful family-friendly dinner.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 521 calories per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American-inspired
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one-pan chicken and rice recipe is a convenient meal with classic comfort food flavors.
Everything cooks in one pan, making preparation and cleanup easier.
The chicken and rice combination creates a filling complete dinner.
Frozen peas and carrots add color, texture, and vegetables without extra preparation.
The creamy Parmesan sauce adds richness to the finished dish.
The recipe comes together in about 35 minutes, making it useful for busy evenings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken and Rice
1 tablespoon oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Salt and pepper
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
2 cups frozen peas and carrots
1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Easy Substitutions
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. Any boneless, skinless chicken pieces can work depending on preference.
Rice
Long grain white rice is used in this recipe. Long grain brown rice can also be used, but it requires a longer cooking time.
Broth
Chicken broth provides the main flavor base. Vegetable broth or chicken bouillon mixed with water can be used as alternatives.
Vegetables
Peas and carrots can be replaced with other vegetables such as broccoli, corn, green beans, or mixed vegetables.
Cream and Parmesan
For a dairy-free version, cream and Parmesan can be omitted. For a richer dish, the amount can be increased.
How to Make One Pan Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Onion
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Add chicken and diced onion to the skillet.
Cook until the chicken is lightly cooked on each side and the onion becomes translucent.
The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage because it will continue cooking with the rice.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, paprika, and pepper.
Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Rice Mixture
Add chicken broth, frozen peas and carrots, and rinsed rice.
Stir everything together.
Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Rice
Check the rice after about 10 minutes.
Continue cooking as needed until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Mix until combined and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice
Rinse the rice before cooking to help remove excess starch.
Cut chicken into evenly sized pieces so it cooks consistently.
Do not fully cook the chicken during the first step because it continues cooking with the rice.
Keep the skillet covered while the rice cooks to help it steam properly.
Allow the finished dish to rest briefly before serving so the flavors settle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Rice Rinse
Unrinsed rice can release extra starch and change the final texture.
Using Too Much Heat
Cooking rice at high heat can cause uneven cooking or make the bottom stick.
Adding Cream Too Early
Adding cream near the end helps maintain a smooth creamy texture.
Using Too Much Liquid
Extra liquid can make the rice overly soft.
Variations
Chicken Thigh One Pan Rice
Use boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and slightly different texture.
Vegetarian One Pan Rice
Remove the chicken and add extra vegetables for a meat-free version.
Cheesy Chicken Rice
Increase Parmesan or add another melting cheese for a richer dish.
Vegetable Loaded Chicken Rice
Add mushrooms, peppers, spinach, or other vegetables.
Brown Rice Version
Use long grain brown rice, but adjust cooking time because it takes longer to become tender.
What to Serve With One Pan Chicken and Rice
This dish works well as a complete meal but can also be paired with:
Green salad
Roasted vegetables
Garlic bread
Steamed broccoli
Fresh herbs
A light side dish can add freshness alongside the creamy rice.
How to Store One Pan Chicken and Rice
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Follow standard food storage practices for cooked chicken and rice dishes.
How to Freeze One Pan Chicken and Rice
No specific freezing instructions were provided.
If freezing, allow the dish to cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container.
How to Reheat One Pan Chicken and Rice
No specific reheating instructions were provided.
Reheat gently and add a small amount of broth or water if the rice becomes too thick.
Make Ahead
No specific make-ahead instructions were provided.
The recipe can be prepared ahead and stored until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts.
Can I make this recipe without dairy?
Yes. Cream and Parmesan can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes. Long grain brown rice can be used, but it requires a longer cooking time.
What vegetables can I use instead of peas and carrots?
You can replace them with other preferred vegetables such as broccoli, corn, or mixed vegetables.
Why is this called a one-pan recipe?
The chicken, rice, vegetables, and creamy sauce are all prepared together in one skillet.
