Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Bake
This easy one-pan dinner features tender chicken and creamy rice baked together in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, all topped with a golden cheesy crust. It’s a fuss-free, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into large chunks or left whole
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati preferred, not instant)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 6–8 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, or dried parsley)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Spread the uncooked rice evenly over the bottom of the dish. Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the rice in a single layer.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup).
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and rice. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top, then drizzle with melted butter.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and the rice is tender. If the top isn’t browning, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
- Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
- Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and long-grain white rice (not instant). If using brown rice, add 15–20 minutes to the covered baking time and a bit more broth. You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts, or add veggies like spinach or peas in the last 10 minutes of baking. For a gluten-free version, ensure your broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free. Let the bake rest before serving for the creamiest texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/6 of the bake
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
Keywords: chicken and rice bake, creamy garlic chicken, parmesan chicken casserole, one-pan dinner, easy chicken bake, comfort food, family dinner, oven baked chicken, rice casserole, weeknight meal