One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite!

If you’re looking for an easy, hearty, and incredibly flavorful dinner that can be made in one pan, look no further than this One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice. The combination of tender, seasoned chicken, fragrant garlic, buttery rice, and loads of parmesan cheese creates an explosion of savory goodness that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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Scroll to the bottom for recipe!

What sets this dish apart is its simplicity. You start by seasoning and cooking the chicken until it’s golden brown, then creating a delicious garlic butter sauce right in the same pan. The rice is pan-fried to soak up all those rich flavors, then simmered until tender in a savory chicken broth. Finally, the dish is topped with parmesan cheese and a drizzle of garlic butter for a melt-in-your-mouth finish. The best part? It’s all made in just one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal!

The Secret to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice

The secret to this recipe lies in the layers of flavor that build as you cook. Starting with well-seasoned chicken, you get a base of rich, crispy goodness. The garlic butter sauce infuses every bite with warmth and depth, and pan-frying the rice before adding broth ensures that it soaks up all the rich, savory flavors. A final touch of parmesan and garlic butter brings the whole dish together, making every mouthful a savory, cheesy delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Not only is this One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice a total flavor bomb, but it’s also perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive enough to serve to guests. The easy cleanup is a bonus, too. Plus, the recipe is super versatile — you can add your favorite vegetables or switch up the type of cheese to keep things interesting.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 950mg

Cooking Tips

• To ensure the chicken is tender and juicy, avoid overcooking it. Cook just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• If you like extra garlic flavor, feel free to add more minced garlic when making the sauce.
• Stir the rice occasionally while it’s simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• For a bit of a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while making the garlic butter sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice from drying out.

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One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. chicken tenders
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or poultry seasoning)
• 3 tbsp minced garlic (about 10 cloves, divided)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 stick butter, divided (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
• 1 1/2 cups white rice (basmati, long grain, or jasmine)
• 2 3/4 cups low sodium chicken stock
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated or shredded)
• 1 tbsp freshly minced parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken tenders with Cajun seasoning on both sides. Heat a skillet to medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp of olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side, flipping just once, until golden brown. Reduce the heat to low.
2. Add Garlic Butter: Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, add 2 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute, making sure to scrape up the brown bits from the pan. Toss the chicken in the garlic butter until coated. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, covered with foil to keep warm.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-low, and add 4 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the white wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Pan-Fry the Rice: Set aside 1/3 cup of the pan juices for later. Increase the heat to medium and add the uncooked rice to the skillet. Pan-fry the rice for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to toast it in the garlic butter.
5. Cook the Rice: Add the chicken stock, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine, making sure the rice is fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
6. Add Parmesan and Chicken: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the parmesan cheese. Dice the chicken (or leave tenders whole) and arrange evenly over the rice.
7. Make Garlic Butter Drizzle: In a small bowl, microwave 3 tbsp of softened butter with the remaining garlic (about 1 tbsp) for 15 seconds until partially melted. Stir in the reserved pan juices and minced parsley. Drizzle this garlic butter sauce over the chicken and rice.
8. Serve: Top with additional parmesan cheese if desired and serve straight from the skillet. Enjoy!

This One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress with its bold flavors and creamy texture. From the garlicky chicken to the buttery rice, this dish is a winner for any occasion!