This Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is a winner! Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a touch of garlic all come together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that tastes amazing and doesn’t create a mountain of dishes? Just cook, serve, and enjoy—dinner has never been simpler!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can use thighs for more flavor. If you need a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or tofu instead—both will absorb the flavors nicely.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect here, but you could also use brown rice or quinoa. Just make sure to adjust cooking time and liquid amounts, as these grains often require more time.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for a richer taste. However, if you’re out, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano would be a good substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch. If you’re garlic-sensitive, consider using less or skipping it altogether.
Spinach: While it’s optional, fresh spinach adds a nice color and nutrition boost. Kale or Swiss chard can also work if you have them on hand.
How Can I Get My Chicken Seared Just Right?
Getting that perfect sear on chicken is all about heat and timing. Focus on these steps for the best results:
- Start with a hot pan—medium-high heat is ideal. The oil should shimmer when added.
- Make sure the chicken is dry before seasoning, which helps create a good crust.
- Cook without moving it for 3-4 minutes on each side to get that golden-brown color.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F/75°C). This keeps it juicy and tender.
Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth (or low sodium)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, totaling about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weekday dinner that feels special!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
First, sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides of the chicken breasts. This will give them great flavor as they cook.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown. Once they’re nicely browned, take them out of the pan and set aside for later.
3. Sauté Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté it for around 30 seconds until it smells delicious but be careful not to burn it!
4. Cook the Rice:
Next, add the rice to the pan, stirring it around to coat with the garlic and oil. Let it toast for about 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
5. Add Broth and Seasoning:
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while scraping any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
6. Combine Chicken and Rice:
Return the chicken breasts to the pan, placing them right on top of the rice. Bring everything to a gentle simmer; this will help the flavors blend beautifully.
7. Cover and Cook:
Put a tight lid on the skillet and cook for 18-20 minutes. The goal is for the rice to become tender and the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Add Cheese and Spinach:
Once the chicken is done, take it out and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach into the rice. This will create a creamy texture, and the spinach will wilt beautifully.
9. Finish and Serve:
Place the chicken back on top, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy this creamy, garlicky dish—just one pan to wash up afterward!
Your delicious Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is ready to delight everyone at the table!
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 you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires about 40-45 minutes to cook, so add more broth (around 2 cups) and keep the chicken on top while allowing it to simmer longer.
What Can I Substitute for the Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to refresh the dish.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just make sure to cook them until tender and adjust the cooking time as necessary, especially if they’re denser veggies like carrots or broccoli.
