Description
This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender seared chicken thighs cooked alongside fragrant garlic-infused Parmesan rice. The dish combines simple seasonings with creamy Parmesan and optional heavy cream for an indulgent yet easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Rice and Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry and season both sides evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant to build the base flavor for the rice.
- Toast the rice: Stir in the long grain white rice and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly which adds a nutty depth.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid fully absorbed.
- Finish the rice: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream if using, until creamy and well combined.
- Reheat the chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet nestled on top of the rice. Cover and warm through for a few minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh color and flavor boost before serving hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash more heavy cream or top with shredded mozzarella cheese before serving.
- This recipe works well with bone-in chicken pieces; just increase the cooking time to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Parsley can be swapped with fresh basil or chives as an alternative garnish.
