This Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is a total winner! It combines juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful garlic and cheese in one simple dish. Less mess is always a plus!
What I love about this recipe is how everything cooks together, soaking up all those tasty flavors. Plus, I can make it on busy nights and still have a yummy dinner with little effort. Win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice here. They cook quickly and stay moist. If you’re looking for a substitute, chicken thighs work well too as they add extra flavor and tenderness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that strong flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, you could use garlic powder. Just remember that fresh gives a much better taste!
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this dish as it cooks well and absorbs plenty of flavor. If you prefer, you can swap it for brown rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and water ratio.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice richness. If you’re avoiding dairy, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. Keep in mind, though, the flavor might vary a bit!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked Every Time?
The searing and simmering are key to perfectly cooked chicken. Start by ensuring your skillet is hot enough to sear the chicken. This locks in juices and gives a nice golden color.
- Season and place the chicken in the pan without crowding it. Each piece needs space to cook evenly.
- Cook until golden brown on both sides, then remove. This initial sear keeps the chicken juicy.
- Simmer with the rice covered for about 18-20 minutes to cook thoroughly while absorbing all the flavors.
Using a meat thermometer can be handy; aim for 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and not overcooked. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for seasoning chicken)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’ll need about 35 minutes from start to finish. Easy enough for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika if you like. This adds flavor to the chicken right from the start!
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Then, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Make sure to stir it often so it doesn’t burn!
4. Add Rice:
Next, add the uncooked rice to the pan, stirring it to coat the rice in the garlic and olive oil, letting it toast slightly for extra flavor.
5. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and stir in the Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This will create a yummy base for the rice and chicken.
6. Nestle the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts back into the pan, nesting them on top of the rice. They will cook beautifully with the rice!
7. Simmer:
Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice has cooked through and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Add Cheese:
Once everything is cooked, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and rice. Cover again for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become gooey.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, if you like, garnish your dish with some fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy your easy, flavorful one-pan meal!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice! However, brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the simmering time to about 35-40 minutes and use a bit more liquid (about 2 1/2 cups broth). Check for doneness to ensure the rice is cooked through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in a microwave-safe dish or warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Adding a splash of broth can help restore moisture.
What Can I Use Instead of Parmesan Cheese?
If you’re looking for alternatives, nutritional yeast works well for a dairy-free option and gives a cheesy flavor. You can also try other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a different taste.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. This will add more color and nutrition to your dish!
