One Pan Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice

This One Pan Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice is an easy, flavor-packed dinner made with tender chicken, creamy rice, garlic, parmesan, and melted cheese all cooked in one pan. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for a simple weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

1-2 Chicken Breast Cut Into Bite Sized Pieces
2 Tbsp Butter
1/2 White Onion
1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
2-3 Tbsp Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
1 Cup White Rice
2 Cups Chicken Broth
2 Oz Cream Cheese Softened
1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
1/2 Cup Bacon Bits For Topping

Seasonings:

1/4 Tsp Pepper
1/4 Tsp Paprika
1/4 Tsp Onion Powder
1/4 Tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 Tsp Garlic Salt
1/4 Tsp Oregano
1/4 Tsp Cajun Seasoning

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
Add the chicken and diced onion. Season with paprika, garlic salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the onions are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and Parmesan Garlic Sauce. Cook for 1 minute, stirring well to coat the chicken evenly.
Remove from pan and set chicken aside.
To the same pan, pour in the white rice and chicken broth. Stir to combine, making sure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook undisturbed for 15 minutes.
Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the cream cheese until completely melted and evenly incorporated.
Add chicken and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and bacon bits evenly over the top.
Place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

About The Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, family-friendly dinner that comes together in one pan, this Parmesan Garlic Chicken & Rice Skillet is about to become a new favorite. Packed with tender chicken, creamy rice, savory garlic flavors, and plenty of melted cheese, this recipe delivers all the cozy comfort of a casserole with the ease of a quick weeknight meal.

What makes this dish so special is the combination of rich Parmesan garlic sauce and cream cheese, which creates an incredibly creamy and flavorful rice base without requiring a complicated list of ingredients. As the rice cooks in seasoned chicken broth, it absorbs all the delicious flavors from the chicken, onions, garlic, and spices, resulting in a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Tip: Rotisserie chicken can be substituted to save time; simply add it when mixing in the garlic and sauce.

I also love how versatile this recipe is. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for a new way to use chicken breasts, this skillet dinner checks all the boxes. The Cajun seasoning adds just a touch of warmth and spice, while the mozzarella cheese and bacon topping take everything over the top. After a few minutes under the broiler, the cheese becomes perfectly melted and bubbly, creating an irresistible golden layer that makes this dish feel extra special.

Tip: Freshly cooked bacon crumbles work great in place of bacon bits.

Another reason this recipe is such a winner is that everything cooks in a single pan. Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The rice cooks directly in the skillet, soaking up all the savory flavors from the chicken and sauce, so every spoonful is rich, creamy, and delicious.

This recipe is also easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra nutrition, swap in rotisserie chicken for a quicker version, or adjust the seasonings to match your family’s preferences. No matter how you make it, the result is a comforting meal that’s guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds.

Tip: For extra heat, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner, sharing it with friends, or adding it to your meal rotation, this Parmesan Garlic Chicken & Rice Skillet is the kind of recipe that combines simple ingredients with big flavor. It’s creamy, cheesy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, the ultimate comfort food made easy.

Keyword chicken, easy, garlic, one pan, parmesan, weeknight dinner

One Pan Parmesan Garlic Chicken & Rice