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Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Parmesan Chicken & Rice

A cozy and fuss-free one-pan meal combining tender, Parmesan-coated chicken breasts with creamy, perfectly cooked long-grain white rice. This recipe delivers rich, comforting flavors with easy prep and minimal cleanup, ideal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

Rice & Broth

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then brown the chicken on both sides for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add finely chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, making sure not to burn the garlic.
  3. Cook the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the aromatic vegetables, stirring for about a minute to coat the grains. Pour in chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the pan to add flavor.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them on top of the rice. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan over everything. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let everything simmer for about 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Final Touches: Once cooked, remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or extra Parmesan if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh Parmesan: It melts better and provides a richer, nuttier flavor than pre-grated packets.
  • Don’t lift the lid while cooking rice: Steam is key for perfectly fluffy rice.
  • Even chicken thickness: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking.
  • Brown the chicken well: A golden crust locks in juices and adds texture.
  • Let it rest: A few minutes resting off heat lets flavors meld and juices redistribute.

Nutrition

Keywords: Parmesan chicken, chicken and rice, one-pan meal, easy dinner, family-friendly, gluten free, quick recipe