This Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish that’s full of flavor! Imagine juicy chicken pieces, creamy rice, and a sprinkle of cheesy goodness—all cooked together.
I love how simple this meal is. Just toss everything in one pan and let it cook! It’s perfect for busy nights or when I want to impress without much effort. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pan cleanup? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect as they cook quickly and stay tender. If you’re looking for different options, thighs work great too, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, you can use garlic powder, but you’ll need a bit more since it’s less potent. I love using minced garlic for that fresh taste.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is recommended, but you can switch to jasmine or basmati for a lovely aroma. Brown rice works too, just remember it may need more cooking time and additional broth.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a wonderful creaminess. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano makes a good substitute, or you can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Properly?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it! Start by seasoning well and searing in hot oil for a golden crust. Here’s how to make sure it’s cooked just right:
- Cook the chicken until it’s nicely browned on the outside, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
- To check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer for best results. Aim for 165°F (74°C).
- If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part; the juices should run clear and not be pink.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it juicy and tender!
Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes seasoning and searing the chicken, and then another 20 minutes cooking everything together in one pan. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika if you like a bit of extra flavor. This step is important to ensure your chicken is tasty!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. They won’t be fully cooked just yet, so take them out of the pan and set them aside for now.
3. Cook the Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter!
4. Add the Rice:
Next, add your uncooked rice to the pan. Stir it well with the garlic and oil mixture so that the rice is nicely coated and absorbs that yummy flavor.
5. Pour in the Chicken Broth:
Now it’s time to make it saucy! Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together to combine.
6. Return the Chicken to the Pan:
Place the chicken breasts back on top of the rice mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer gently.
7. Let it Cook:
Cook for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, and the chicken is fully cooked (make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
8. Make it Creamy:
Once cooked, take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate. Stir the heavy cream and the remaining Parmesan cheese into the rice until it’s creamy and deliciously combined.
9. Final Touches:
Take a moment to taste the rice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You want it to be perfectly seasoned to your liking!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve up your masterpiece! Place the chicken over the creamy garlic Parmesan rice and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Bon appétit! 🥳
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice! Just keep in mind that it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time—about 30-35 minutes. You may need to increase the chicken broth to 1 1/2 cups to ensure the rice cooks properly.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk or almond milk will work, but these may impart a slightly different flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the rice has thickened too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Chopped spinach, peas, or bell peppers can be added along with the rice and broth for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re adding harder vegetables like carrots, so they cook through. Enjoy customizing your dish!
