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Creamy Parmesan One Pot Chicken and Rice

Close-up of creamy one pot chicken and rice mixed with peas and carrots, served in a rustic blue bowl.

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Make this comforting, easy one pot chicken and rice for a simple weeknight dinner. This recipe uses one pot for tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich Parmesan sauce, meaning minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Add the uncooked rice to the pot and stir it with the onions and garlic for 1 minute to toast it slightly.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  6. Return the browned chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy.
  8. Gently fold in the frozen peas and carrots mix. Cover the pot again and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to heat through.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, sear the chicken thighs in butter instead of olive oil for a richer garlic butter chicken rice base.
  • If you prefer using chicken breasts, ensure they are not overcooked by checking them immediately after the rice finishes simmering.
  • This recipe works well as a budget friendly chicken dinner when using chicken thighs.

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