There’s something magical about a meal that comes together in a single skillet, especially one as creamy and satisfying as Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice. This dish combines the rich flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken with fluffy rice, creating a cozy and hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special gatherings. With easy steps and simple ingredients, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for its balance of savory, creamy, and slightly herby flavors. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Less mess means less stress! All elements cook together, enhancing the flavors and leaving you with minimal cleanup.
- Comfort Food: The creamy Parmesan sauce and tender chicken make this a cozy, comforting dish for any season.
- Versatile Ingredients: From pantry basics like rice and broth to the option of adding fresh spinach, this meal is made up of ingredients you may already have on hand.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors are usually a big hit with kids, and you can adjust the seasoning to fit your family’s taste.
- Customizable: Add extra vegetables, switch to chicken breasts or thighs, or play with different seasonings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer)
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for browning the chicken
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided – to add richness and creaminess
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – the star ingredient for a fragrant, savory base
- 1 cup long-grain white rice – perfect for absorbing flavors without getting mushy
- 2 cups chicken broth – to cook the rice and add depth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – for that creamy texture
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds savory richness
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – for a subtle herb flavor that complements the garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach (optional) – for a pop of color and added nutrients
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – to brighten up the final dish
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
This recipe comes together in simple steps. Start by cooking the chicken, move on to flavoring the rice, and finish by bringing everything together in a creamy, Parmesan-rich sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Chicken
- Start by seasoning the chicken with a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. The chicken should be lightly browned on the outside, with a juicy, tender inside.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Keep the pan as is, since you’ll use those flavorful bits left behind for the rice.
- Sauté the Garlic and Rice
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute—just long enough to release that wonderful aroma without burning.
- Stir in the rice, cooking for 1-2 minutes, until it’s lightly toasted. Toasting the rice adds a slight nuttiness and prevents it from becoming too sticky later.
- Cook the Rice in Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 15-18 minutes. The rice should become tender, and most of the broth should be absorbed. Avoid stirring the rice too much while it cooks to help it retain a fluffy texture.
- Finish with Cream and Parmesan
- Once the rice is tender, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining tablespoon of butter. This will transform the dish into a creamy, luscious one-pan meal.
- Nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the rice, allowing it to warm back up. If you’re using spinach, add it at this stage and let it wilt slightly, adding a touch of vibrant green to the dish.
- Serve
- Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a bit of extra Parmesan on top. Serve warm, enjoying each bite of creamy rice and tender, flavorful chicken.
Helpful Tips
- Want to add brightness? Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the chicken just before serving to balance the creaminess.
- Making with brown rice? Simply increase the cooking time and add more broth as needed since brown rice takes a bit longer to cook.
- Add vegetables: For a heartier dish, add in veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas alongside the rice for added texture and flavor.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet / One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed)
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
- Reheating Tip: Add a small splash of chicken broth to keep the rice creamy and prevent it from drying out during reheating.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~560 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes! You can use brown rice, but keep in mind it requires a longer cook time and extra broth. If you prefer, jasmine or basmati rice work well too, adding a unique aroma to the dish.
What’s the best way to keep leftovers creamy?
Adding a small splash of broth or cream when reheating will help maintain the creamy texture.
Is there a non-dairy option?
You can replace the heavy cream with a plant-based option, like coconut cream, though it will have a slightly different flavor. A nut milk-based creamer can also work well as a substitute.
Related Recipes
If you loved this creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice, check out these other delicious, one-pan favorites:
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is the definition of comfort food made easy. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice come together in a beautiful harmony of flavors. Give it a try, and let each bite remind you of why simple ingredients often make the most delicious dishes!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate One-Pan Wonder
Description
There’s something magical about a meal that comes together in a single skillet, especially one as creamy and satisfying as Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice. This dish combines the rich flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken with fluffy rice, creating a cozy and hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special gatherings. With easy steps and simple ingredients, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for its balance of savory, creamy, and slightly herby flavors. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer)
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for browning the chicken
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided – to add richness and creaminess
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – the star ingredient for a fragrant, savory base
- 1 cup long-grain white rice – perfect for absorbing flavors without getting mushy
- 2 cups chicken broth – to cook the rice and add depth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – for that creamy texture
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds savory richness
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – for a subtle herb flavor that complements the garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach (optional) – for a pop of color and added nutrients
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – to brighten up the final dish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken
- Start by seasoning the chicken with a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. The chicken should be lightly browned on the outside, with a juicy, tender inside.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Keep the pan as is, since you’ll use those flavorful bits left behind for the rice.
- Sauté the Garlic and Rice
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute—just long enough to release that wonderful aroma without burning.
- Stir in the rice, cooking for 1-2 minutes, until it’s lightly toasted. Toasting the rice adds a slight nuttiness and prevents it from becoming too sticky later.
- Cook the Rice in Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 15-18 minutes. The rice should become tender, and most of the broth should be absorbed. Avoid stirring the rice too much while it cooks to help it retain a fluffy texture.
- Finish with Cream and Parmesan
- Once the rice is tender, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining tablespoon of butter. This will transform the dish into a creamy, luscious one-pan meal.
- Nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the rice, allowing it to warm back up. If you’re using spinach, add it at this stage and let it wilt slightly, adding a touch of vibrant green to the dish.
- Serve
- Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a bit of extra Parmesan on top. Serve warm, enjoying each bite of creamy rice and tender, flavorful chicken.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
- Reheating Tip: Add a small splash of chicken broth to keep the rice creamy and prevent it from drying out during reheating.