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Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Parmesan Chicken & Rice
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Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a comforting and quick one-pan meal that combines juicy chicken, fluffy white rice, and rich, savory Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe delivers a flavorful, cheesy dish that the whole family will love with minimal cleanup and simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Rice and Aromatics

  • 1 cup uncooked medium grain white rice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth

Cheese and Herbs

  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or as preferred)

Seasoning

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This locks in juices and flavor.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Add Rice: Remove the chicken temporarily from the pan. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then stir in the uncooked white rice, toasting it lightly for 1-2 minutes to enhance flavor.
  3. Add Broth and Return Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the rice.
  4. Simmer Until Fully Cooked: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid to keep steam trapped.
  5. Stir in Parmesan and Herbs: Once cooked, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs such as parsley and thyme over the dish. Cover off heat for a few minutes to let the cheese melt into a creamy coating. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
  • Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a golden crust.
  • Let the skillet rest covered after cooking to allow flavors to meld.
  • If rice is not fully tender, add a splash more broth and cook a few more minutes.
  • Add lemon zest at the end for a fresh bright note if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Parmesan chicken, chicken and rice, one pan dinner, quick chicken recipe, cheesy chicken, weeknight dinner, family friendly

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/parmesan-chicken-rice/