This Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is a winner for busy nights! Chicken cooks up tender with cheesy, garlicky goodness while the rice soaks up all the flavor.
You’ll love that it all comes together in one pan, which means less cleanup! I often throw in some veggies to make it a complete meal. Who doesn’t love a dish that does it all? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here for even cooking. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use chicken thighs, which stay juicy and add more flavor.
Rice: Long-grain white rice gives a fluffy texture, but you could use brown rice for added nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time and broth as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan provides a rich, savory flavor. If you need a dairy-free version, nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese can be substituted, though the texture may vary.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for sautéing, but you can replace it with butter for a richer flavor, or even avocado oil for a taste twist.
How Can You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Rice?
To make sure the chicken stays juicy and the rice cooks perfectly, follow these tips:
- Season the chicken well; it adds flavor to the overall dish.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This sears the meat, locking in moisture.
- Don’t skip covering the pan while simmering; this helps steam the rice and keeps all the flavors in.
- Check the chicken’s temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safety.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one-pan meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. So, you’ll be enjoying your meal in just under an hour! Perfect for a weeknight dinner with minimal fuss and cleanup.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika on both sides. This helps to build flavor right from the base!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until they are golden brown. After cooking, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Adding the Rice:
Next, add the rice to the pan, stirring to coat it well with the garlic and oil. This will infuse the rice with that tasty garlic flavor!
5. Cooking with Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the mixture for extra creaminess.
6. Returning the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts back on top of the rice mixture. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. This will cook the rice and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Adding Spinach and Cream:
If you’re using spinach and want extra creaminess, stir them into the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt nicely and add a lovely color to the dish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked, remove the pan from heat. Garnish the dish with chopped parsley for freshness and serve warm. Enjoy your Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Instead?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken typically takes longer to cook, around 35-45 minutes, until it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Make sure to adjust the broth quantity based on the size of the chicken pieces you use!
What Can I Substitute for Rice?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for the white rice. Note that cooking times may vary; for quinoa, follow package directions, and for cauliflower rice, simply sauté for a few minutes after adding the broth.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out.
Can I Add More Veggies?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots. Just make sure to add heartier veggies earlier in the cooking process and more delicate ones like spinach towards the end, so they don’t overcook.
