Introduction:
If you’re craving a comforting and easy-to-make dinner that requires minimal cleanup, look no further than this One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rice recipe. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, savory garlic butter, and creamy parmesan, all baked together in one pan with fluffy rice.
Not only is it packed with flavors, but it’s also a breeze to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for extra flavor)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Rice:
- In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Scrape up any bits from the bottom of the skillet using a wooden spoon to incorporate the flavors.
- Stir in the rice and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Allow it to come to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the rice cook for about 10 minutes.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- While the rice is cooking, melt butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a simmer, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a dash of lemon juice for extra brightness. Set the sauce aside.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Once the rice is cooked, return the chicken breasts to the skillet on top of the rice. Pour the garlic parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken and rice.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the rice is tender and fluffy.
- Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
- Serve immediately, ensuring each plate gets a generous amount of chicken, rice, and garlic parmesan sauce.
Helpful Notes:
- Chicken Variations: You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs or even use bone-in chicken for a different flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Rice Tips: If you prefer a fluffier texture, rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. You can also substitute the white rice for brown rice, though it will require a longer cooking time.
- Make Ahead: The garlic parmesan sauce and rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat them when you’re ready to assemble and bake.
- Additional Veggies: Feel free to toss in some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the rice for added nutrition and color.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Nutrition (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 550
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sugar: 3g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rice is not just about convenience – it’s about bold, mouthwatering flavors that will make you excited to eat. The creamy garlic parmesan sauce takes simple ingredients and transforms them into something truly special. The rice soaks up all that savory goodness, making it a delicious one-pan meal the whole family will enjoy.
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes! You can substitute brown rice for white rice. However, brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. It will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber to the dish.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers can make this meal even more nutritious. Simply toss them in with the rice during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow them to soften and absorb the flavors.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If you only have frozen chicken breasts, make sure to thaw them completely before starting the recipe. Cooking time may need to be adjusted.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use dairy-free Parmesan or omit the cheese altogether for a lighter version of this dish.
Recipe Variations
1. One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rice and Veggies:
Add your favorite vegetables to the rice before baking. Try adding zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
2. Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken:
For a kick of heat, add 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic parmesan sauce. This adds a spicy twist to the classic garlic parmesan flavor.
3. Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken:
For a fresh, zesty variation, add the zest of 1 lemon to the sauce along with a tablespoon of lemon juice. The citrus will brighten up the dish and complement the savory garlic parmesan flavors.