This tasty One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Dinner is easy to make and full of flavor! You get juicy chicken, creamy rice, and a hint of garlic all cooked in one pan.
I love how everything comes together without a big mess to clean up afterward. Plus, the cheesy goodness makes it a hit with the entire family! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor or even swap in tofu for a vegetarian option!
Olive Oil: This is my go-to for cooking! You could substitute it with avocado oil or butter if you prefer a richer flavor. Just remember, if using butter, watch the heat to prevent burning.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too—use about 1 teaspoon for each clove called for.
Rice: Long-grain white rice gives the best texture, but feel free to use brown rice or jasmine rice if you like. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts as needed.
Parmesan Cheese: I love the sharpness of Parmesan, but you can replace it with Pecorino Romano for a different twist or even nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
To ensure breast meat stays juicy, first, don’t overcook it. After browning, keep the heat low when you return it to the pan with the rice. Always check the internal temperature—165°F is the magic number!
- Season chicken well before cooking for maximum flavor.
- Don’t flip the chicken too often; let it develop a nice golden crust.
- Once done, let it rest a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute.
One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time. Including the flavor infusion and assembling, you’ll have a hearty dinner ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Make sure to coat them well to ensure full flavor throughout!
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—burnt garlic can be bitter!
4. Prepare the Rice:
Add the uncooked rice to the pan, stirring it with the garlic and oil. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
5. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth into the pan and give it a good stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Return the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts back into the pan, laying them on top of the rice. This lets the chicken juices seep into the rice as it cooks.
7. Cook it All Together:
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let everything cook for another 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (aim for 165°F/75°C internally).
8. Final Touches:
Once done, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is melted and creamy.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your comforting and satisfying One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount! Brown rice usually takes about 35-40 minutes to cook and requires around 3 cups of chicken broth. Just keep an eye on it and add more liquid if needed.
How Can I Make This Dish Creamier?
For an even creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or extra cheese right before serving. This will enhance the richness of the dish!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients in advance. Prepare the chicken and rice, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, just follow the recipe as directed, adjusting cooking times if needed.
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables. You could also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
