This Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is a tasty treat! Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and garlicky goodness come together in one pot for a meal that’s super simple to make.
I love how everything cooks together, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, the smell of garlic and parmesan fills the kitchen and brings smiles all around! 😋
If you’re like me and enjoy quick meals, this dish is perfect. Just throw in the ingredients, let it simmer, and you’re ready to eat in no time. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs give great flavor and stay juicy. If you prefer, use boneless thighs or even chicken breasts for quicker cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic flavor. If you’re out of fresh cloves, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can substitute in a pinch, but fresh is best!
Rice: Long-grain white rice works well here. If you want to swap for brown rice, remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount since it takes longer to cook.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds richness. If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor. Just know it won’t melt like cheese.
Italian Seasoning: This blend enhances flavor. You can use individual dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme if you have them on hand.
How Do I Get the Chicken Skin Extra Crispy?
Getting that golden, crispy skin on your chicken is all about cooking at the right temperature and time. Here’s how:
- Start with a hot skillet and let the chicken cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes. This allows the skin to render fat and get crispy.
- Keep the heat at medium-high and flip to cook the other side for about 3-4 minutes.
- After browning, reduce heat for the rice cooking. This balance helps the chicken cook through without losing its crunch.
Enjoy making your dish—it’s easier than it looks, and the result is totally worth it! 🌟
Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Rice Mixture:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook, making a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. In under an hour, you can have a delicious meal ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by generously seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides to really enhance the flavor.
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken, skin side down, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook on the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. Then, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be sure to stir constantly so it doesn’t burn!
4. Add the Rice:
Next, add the uncooked rice to the pan with the garlic, stirring well to coat it with the oil and garlic mix for about a minute.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
6. Return the Chicken:
Place the browned chicken thighs back into the pan, skin side up, so they can sit on top of the rice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Cover and Cook:
Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let everything cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Finish and Fluff:
Once cooked, turn off the heat and add the butter. Gently fluff the rice around the chicken using a fork and allow the butter to melt into the rice for extra flavor.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your dish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing touch. Enjoy your delicious one-pan garlic Parmesan chicken and rice!
Happy cooking! 😊
FAQ for Easy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs provide great flavor and moisture, you can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that boneless cuts will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
Can I Substitute the Rice?
Yes! While long-grain white rice is ideal, you can use brown rice. Just note that brown rice requires more cooking time and additional liquid, so increase the broth to 3 cups and cook for about 35-40 minutes instead.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep the rice moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein, like tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Just follow the same cooking method but adjust the cooking time based on the protein you use.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions while cooking! Enjoy! 🥳🍽️
