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.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Stove-Top
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Parmesan chicken, chicken and rice, one-pan meal, easy dinner, family-friendly, gluten free, quick recipe