This is pure cozy comfort in a pan! One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice is exactly what you crave on a weeknight—a soulful meal with juicy chicken, savory mushrooms, and creamy, cheesy rice, all coming together in just one skillet. Every bite is luscious, packed with flavor, and delightfully fuss-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Weeknight Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.
- Creamy, Cozy, and Satisfying: The combo of parmesan, cream, and juicy chicken guarantees every forkful is velvety and rich.
- Elevated with Simple Ingredients: The mushroom and Italian herb blend brings big flavor with little effort.
- Family-Friendly & Impressively Quick: This is equally loved by picky kids, hungry adults, and dinner party guests alike—ready in just about 25 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice? Its ingredients are straightforward, but each brings essential layers of flavor, heartiness, and creaminess. Here’s why every component matters—it’s the kind of all-star lineup that delivers maximal comfort and taste with minimal fuss.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Dice it into bite-sized chunks for tender, juicy protein in every forkful—feel free to substitute with thighs if that’s your style!
- Olive Oil: Just a splash helps brown the chicken and creates flavorful browned bits (a.k.a. the secret to deep flavor in one-pot meals).
- Italian Seasoning: This classic blend infuses the dish with herby notes and Mediterranean flair—simple and delicious.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Don’t underestimate their power; these humble seasonings make the other flavors shine!
- Uncooked Long Grain Rice: Absorbs all the wonderful chicken, mushroom, and cheesy flavors as it cooks in the skillet—no mushy rice here!
- Chicken Broth: Cooking the rice in savory broth instead of water is a game-changer for depth and richness.
- Sliced Mushrooms: Bring earthy umami, texture, and a hint of sweetness. Use cremini, white, or even a mix for fun.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: The reason for all that dreamy, luscious creaminess—don’t skimp!
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Melts into creamy perfection and adds a gently nutty, salty backbone to the dish.
Variations
One of my favorite things about One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice is how beautifully it adapts to whatever you have on hand, and however you’re craving it that day. Think of this recipe as your creamy canvas—there are endless ways to make it your own!
- Make it Vegetarian: Easily swap the chicken for canned (drained) cannellini beans, extra mushrooms, or even cubes of sautéed tofu.
- Try Different Cheeses: Grated gruyere or sharp white cheddar create a new flavor twist if you’re low on parmesan.
- Add Greens: Stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach or kale during the last few minutes for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Go Gluten-Free: This dish is already gluten-free if your broth and seasonings are safe—easy peasy!
How to Make One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat a good glug of olive oil in your favorite 10- or 12-inch skillet over medium-high. Add the diced chicken, Italian seasoning, and a healthy pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is golden and no longer pink in the center—about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the browning is where so much flavor is born!
Step 2: Add Rice, Broth & Mushrooms
Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and sliced mushrooms directly into the pan. Give everything a good mix, making sure the rice is mostly submerged and spread evenly. Cover with a lid and let it do its thing for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is fall-apart tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
Step 3: Stir in Cream & Parmesan
Take off the lid and stir in your heavy whipping cream and shredded parmesan. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens to creamy perfection. Give it a taste—add a hit of salt or pepper if it needs it—then get ready to serve while it’s hot and bubbly!
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice
- Golden Chicken, Big Flavor: Sear the chicken well to lock in juices and deepen the savory notes—skip this, and you’ll miss out on tons of flavor.
- Rice Matters: Stick with long grain white rice for perfect, non-gummy texture—avoid short grain rice, which can get mushy in one-pot dishes.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly; grating it yourself is worth the few extra seconds for that ultra-creamy finish.
- Taste As You Go: Give the rice a quick sample before finishing—sometimes a splash more broth or a pinch of salt takes it from good to spectacular!
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice
Garnishes
Nothing tops off One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice like a flourish of fresh parsley and a big, swoon-worthy sprinkle of extra parmesan. If you want even more color, toss on some thinly sliced green onions for zip. Cracked black pepper right before serving is also a magic little touch!
Side Dishes
This dish is so complete, you truly don’t need much else. If you want to round things out, a simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette or oven-roasted green beans makes a fresh counterpoint. Crisp garlic bread for dunking is, of course, always welcome at my table!
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic, family-style vibe, serve right from the skillet at the center of the table. If you’re feeling a little fancy, spoon it into wide, shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or a swirl of basil oil. For parties, scoop portions into mini ramekins for the ultimate comfort food appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of your One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice hold up beautifully. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days—the flavors deepen as it sits!
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container (leave a little room for expansion). Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep things creamy. The microwave works in a pinch—cover your bowl and use short intervals, stirring often for even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and richer. Just dice boneless, skinless thighs and cook as directed. You may need to add a minute or two for sautéing, but the process is the same.
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Will brown rice work in One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice?
You can use brown rice, but note that it takes longer to cook (usually 35–40 minutes) and you may need more broth. Add extra liquid and check frequently, or precook your brown rice and reduce simmer time in the skillet.
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Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Small-cut broccoli, frozen peas, or baby spinach can be stirred in during the last few minutes. The steam and heat will soften them perfectly without overcooking.
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Is there a way to make it lighter?
Sure! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a lighter but still creamy result. You can also reduce the parmesan, but the dish will be less rich and cheesy.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll treat yourself (and your favorite people!) to a big, warming skillet of One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice soon. It’s a no-fuss classic that turns even an ordinary night into something special, and I just know you’ll love every creamy, savory bite.
Print
One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that is easy to make and perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound diced boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
For the Mushroom Rice:
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 6 ounces sliced mushrooms (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the diced chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until cooked through.
- Prepare the Rice: Add rice, chicken broth, and mushrooms to the skillet. Simmer until the rice is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Simmer until thickened. Garnish with more parmesan and parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 382
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
