This Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish that’s full of flavor. Tender chicken and creamy rice come together nicely, making dinner super simple!
I love how everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup for me. Plus, the garlic and parmesan make it smell divine while it cooks—who could resist that? 😋
After making this, I like to enjoy it with a side of veggies for a colorful meal. Trust me, your family will love this tasty, hassle-free dinner option!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they cook quickly. If you want an alternative, you can use thighs—just make sure to adjust the cooking time since they might take a bit longer.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch. I personally love the aroma of fresh garlic sautéing in the pan!
Rice: Long grain white rice is ideal, but you can swap it for brown rice or jasmine rice. Just note that cooking times may change slightly, especially for brown rice, which usually takes longer to cook.
Chicken Broth: You can use low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter taste. Some folks also use water, but the broth adds more flavor to the dish.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy?
To keep your chicken juicy and prevent it from drying out, there are a few tricks:
- Don’t overcook the chicken—it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Using a meat thermometer helps with this.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute.
- Covering the pan while the chicken simmers in the broth helps trap moisture, keeping the meat tender.
Following these steps will make sure your chicken stays deliciously juicy in every bite! Enjoy your meal!
Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
For the Finishing Touch:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to make from start to finish. You will need roughly 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick, easy, and delightful meal that comes together in one pan!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Brown them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
4. Add the Rice:
Next, add the uncooked rice to the pan. Stir it around to coat with the garlic and oil, letting it toast slightly for added flavor.
5. Mix in the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Cook the Chicken with Rice:
Place the seared chicken breasts back on top of the rice mixture. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (you want an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
7. Add Cheese and Butter:
Once cooked, remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and butter evenly over the top. Cover the pan again and let it sit for 5 minutes so the cheese can melt into the rice for a creamy finish.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish your dish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Now you’re ready to dig in!
Enjoy your comforting and easy one-pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice!
FAQ for Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it typically takes longer to cook. You’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes and may need to add an additional 1/4 cup of broth to ensure it cooks through.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. However, using broth will impart more flavor to the dish.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! To make it dairy-free, simply omit the Parmesan cheese and use a dairy-free butter alternative. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture.
