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

Issue	Solution
Rice is undercooked	Add 2 tablespoons more broth, cover, and cook for 3 additional minutes.
Chicken skin not crispy	Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
Dish tastes too salty	Squeeze 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.