This One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy chicken cooked with fluffy rice, all flavored with garlic and yummy Parmesan cheese. What’s not to love?
You know it’s a good day when one pan does all the work! I just toss everything in together, let it cook, and enjoy a delicious meal without the mess. Easy peasy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using thighs for their juiciness, but boneless, skinless breasts work just as well. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use chicken tenders.
Rice: Long grain white rice is perfect for this dish. If you have brown rice, that’s great too, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and water. Quinoa could be a nice gluten-free swap!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you only have garlic powder, use about 1 teaspoon instead. It’s a handy substitute when you’re short on fresh ingredients.
Parmesan Cheese: I recommend using fresh grated Parmesan for the best taste. If you’re in a pinch, a mix of Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can work as alternatives.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken Is Juicy and Cooked Perfectly?
Getting juicy chicken is all about not overcooking it. Here’s how to keep it tender:
- Always sear it well first; this locks in moisture.
- Flatten any thick parts with a meat mallet for even cooking.
- Let it rest after cooking for a few minutes; this helps the juices redistribute.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have delicious, juicy chicken every time! Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Finishing Touch:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 20 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken to the pan. Sear until golden brown on both sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once nicely browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Now, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. This is going to infuse your dish with a lovely garlic aroma!
3. Add Rice and Broth:
Next, pour in the rice along with the chicken broth, stirring everything to combine. It’s important to deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits from the chicken; this adds flavor to your rice.
4. Combine Chicken and Rice:
Return the chicken to the pan, placing it on top of the rice mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Finish with Butter and Cheese:
Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and well combined. This will give your dish a creamy, cheesy finish!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your flavorful one-pan meal with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve it warm and enjoy every bite of your delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! However, it’s best to thaw the chicken completely before cooking for even cooking. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
Can I Substitute Brown Rice for White Rice?
Absolutely! Just note that brown rice takes longer to cook, so increase the simmering time to about 35-40 minutes and add an extra half cup of broth to ensure it cooks through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the rice seems dry.
What Can I Use Instead of Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor or even Nutritional Yeast for a vegan-friendly option. Just adjust the quantity to taste!
