Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice

This flavorful one-pan meal pairs juicy, golden chicken thighs with creamy Parmesan-infused rice, delivering a comforting dinner that feels gourmet but comes together with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Simple one-pan cooking for minimal mess
  • Rich and creamy rice without heavy cream
  • Balanced flavors of garlic and herbs cut through richness
  • Perfect for meal prepping—improves in flavor the next day

Essential Cooking Tips & Techniques

  • Searing chicken: Creates a flavorful crust and locks in moisture.
  • Gentle garlic toasting: Releases fragrant oils while avoiding bitterness.
  • Parmesan integration: Melts seamlessly into rice for a creamy texture.
  • Resting period: Allows rice to fully absorb flavors and finish cooking.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Chicken:

  • Four chicken thighs with skin and bone (you can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts as alternatives).
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Rice:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati work well too)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Optional Garnishes:

  • Lemon wedges
  • Extra grated Parmesan
  • Additional parsley

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Brown the Chicken

  • Dry the chicken pieces thoroughly to achieve crispy skin.
  • Season all over with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Place chicken skin-side down and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden, then flip and cook another 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics

  • Add butter to the same pan and melt.
  • Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.

3. Toast and Simmer the Rice

  • Add the rice to the pan and stir for one minute to lightly toast and coat with butter.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  • Return the chicken to the pan, arranging it skin-side up atop the rice.

4. Cover and Cook

  • Cover the skillet tightly and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid to keep the steam trapped.
  • Once done, remove from heat and sprinkle Parmesan cheese and thyme over the rice.
  • Cover again and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and flavors to meld.
  • Finish with chopped parsley and, if desired, red pepper flakes.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Use a lid that seals well to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
  • Resist stirring the rice during cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Freshly grate your Parmesan cheese for the smoothest melt and richest flavor.

Troubleshooting

IssueSolution
Rice is undercookedAdd 2 tablespoons more broth, cover, and cook for 3 additional minutes.
Chicken skin not crispyBroil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
Dish tastes too saltySqueeze fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten and balance flavors.

Variations to Try

  • Mushroom addition: Toss in 1 cup sautéed mushrooms with the onions for earthiness.
  • Lemon-herb: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and ¼ cup chopped fresh basil for brightness.
  • Spanish flair: Substitute Parmesan with Manchego cheese and add a pinch of saffron.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve alongside roasted crispy broccoli.
  • A fresh arugula salad complements the rich flavors nicely.
  • Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
  • Pair this dish with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice recipe is a satisfying, flavorful comfort meal that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. The creamy rice paired with tender chicken delivers a delicious combination that’s sure to become a household favorite.

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