Creamy Garlic Parmesan Ground Chicken Skillet (Easy One-Pan 30-Minute Dinner)
If you’re looking for a quick, creamy dinner that only requires one skillet, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Ground Chicken Skillet is exactly what you need. Ground chicken cooks with garlic, rice, Parmesan cheese, and a rich creamy sauce to create a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
This easy one-pan recipe is comforting without being overly heavy. The rice cooks directly in the flavorful broth while the Parmesan creates a creamy, cheesy finish that makes every bite delicious.
It’s budget-friendly, family-friendly, and ideal for meal prep because leftovers reheat beautifully.
Table of Contents
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Ground Chicken Skillet Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: ground chicken skillet, garlic parmesan chicken, one pan chicken dinner, creamy chicken rice skillet, easy ground chicken recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2¼ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Ground Chicken Skillet
1. Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and onion. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked.
2. Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add Rice and Broth
Add uncooked rice and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer
Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender.
5. Make It Creamy
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
6. Serve
Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Ground Chicken Skillet
- Everything cooks in one skillet.
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Creamy garlic Parmesan flavor.
- High-protein family dinner.
- Perfect for meal prep.
- Budget-friendly ingredients.
- Minimal cleanup.
Expert Tips
- Use long-grain white rice for the most reliable cooking time.
- Do not lift the lid too often while the rice cooks.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Add a splash of broth if the skillet becomes too thick.
- Stir spinach in at the end so it stays tender and bright.
Recipe Variations
- Broccoli Version: Add chopped broccoli during the last 5 minutes.
- Bacon Version: Stir in cooked bacon.
- Mushroom Version: Add sliced mushrooms.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes.
- Extra Cheesy Version: Add mozzarella or provolone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but you’ll need additional broth and a longer cooking time.
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Ground Chicken Skillet is rich, satisfying, family-friendly, and one of the easiest one-pan dinners you can make on a busy weeknight.