Pin This One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice makes rich comfort food easy enough for a weeknight yet satisfying enough to share with guests. Juicy chicken breast simmers in garlicky buttery rice made creamy with Parmesan using only a single pan so cleanup is quick and simple.
I always reach for this recipe when life gets busy but everyone still craves homemade comfort. When I made it for my sister after her surgery the dish disappeared and I was asked for the recipe on the spot.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: choose plump pieces for juiciness and flavor
- Kosher salt: brings out the flavors of both chicken and rice
- Black pepper: freshly ground gives gentle background heat
- Italian seasoning: offers a balanced blend of herbs to perk up the rice
- Olive oil: helps create a golden sear and keeps the chicken tender
- Fresh garlic cloves: minced for bold flavor and depth
- Yellow onion: look for firm ones that feel heavy for their size this gives a sweet background
- Long grain white rice: rinsed rinsing ensures it cooks up fluffy and does not clump
- Low sodium chicken broth: lets you control saltiness and adds robust flavor
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: sharp and creamy better results than pre grated
- Heavy cream: brings the sauce together for richness and a smooth finish
- Unsalted butter: adds a silky texture choose high quality for best flavor
- Fresh parsley: chopped for a burst of color and freshness
- Lemon wedges: optional but brighten the finished dish with a fresh zip
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry and sprinkle both sides evenly with salt black pepper and Italian seasoning This step makes sure the flavor will penetrate the meat and the chicken will taste seasoned all the way through
- Sear the Chicken:
- Pour olive oil into a large deep skillet with a lid Place over medium high heat When the oil shimmers add the chicken breasts in a single layer Sear them for about four minutes on each side until deeply golden brown The inside will still be undercooked but this ensures you get a flavorful crust Remove the seared chicken to a plate and set aside
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Reduce heat to medium Scatter in the finely diced onion Stir and cook for two to three minutes until the onion looks translucent Stir in the minced garlic and cook just thirty seconds Be sure to stir constantly so the garlic does not burn This stage builds the aromatic foundation of the dish
- Toast the Rice:
- Pour the rinsed rice into the pan Stir well to coat the grains with any leftover oil or onions Toast for about a minute until the rice starts to look slightly opaque This helps prevent it from getting mushy later and locks in flavor
- Deglaze and Add Broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth Use your spoon to scrape up any golden bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet These contain lots of savory flavor that will enrich the rice
- Nestle the Chicken and Simmer:
- Arrange the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice and broth mixture Place the lid on the pan Turn the heat to low and simmer for eighteen to twenty minutes The chicken will finish cooking and the rice will absorb the flavorful broth
- Make it Creamy:
- Once the rice is tender and the chicken juices run clear transfer the chicken to a plate Add the Parmesan cheese heavy cream unsalted butter and parsley to the rice Stir until everything is melted and the mixture looks creamy and luscious
- Finish and Serve:
- Nestle the chicken breasts back into the creamy rice Spoon some extra sauce over the top Sprinkle with more parsley if you have it Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright touch
Pin I can never resist sneaking extra Parmesan before serving Because my kids now beg to help grate the cheese this part always turns into a family moment in our kitchen Our best version used hand picked parsley from the backyard and you could really taste the difference
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be cooled to room temperature then transferred to an airtight container They stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days To reheat add a splash of broth or milk and warm slowly on the stove or in the microwave until hot
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken thighs work beautifully in place of breasts if you prefer darker meat For a lighter dish try using half and half or even whole milk instead of heavy cream You can swap in brown rice but increase the cooking time and add extra broth
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or simple steamed veggies I love offering extra lemon wedges for squeezing over the top and sometimes a skillet of roasted broccoli alongside
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
This recipe merges American comfort with a touch of Italian inspiration Creamy garlic rice and juicy chicken mimic classic risotto vibes without the need for constant stirring When herbs begin popping up fresh in my garden I reach for them to toss in at the very end
Pin Cooking this dish in one pan brings together comfort and convenience for family dinners or when guests drop by. With every bite you enjoy creamy garlic rice and perfectly juicy chicken with hardly any cleanup after.