Description
Looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that’s quick, easy, and minimal on cleanup? This one-pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is your new go-to! Juicy, golden chicken tenders sit atop creamy, garlicky, Parmesan-rich rice, all cooked together in a single skillet. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice:
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2 lbs chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless breasts/thighs, cut into similar sizes)
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3 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
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6 cups chicken stock
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1 cup cooking white wine (or extra stock + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
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1 cup unsalted butter
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4 tbsp olive oil
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4 tbsp minced garlic
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for subtle warmth)
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2 tsp salt, divided
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Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Cheese & Garnish:
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
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Optional: ½ cup shredded mozzarella
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Optional: Zest of 1 lemon
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Optional: 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Season & Sear Chicken:
Pat chicken dry, season with 1 tsp salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 min per side until golden (not fully cooked). Remove and set aside. -
Make Flavor Base:
Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter with remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté 1–2 min until fragrant. -
Toast Rice:
Stir in rice and toast 2 min, letting grains become slightly opaque and nutty. -
Deglaze & Simmer:
Pour in wine, scraping up browned bits. Let cook 1 min. Add chicken stock and remaining 1 tsp salt, stir, and bring to simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 15 min. -
Add Chicken:
Nestle seared chicken into rice, cover, and cook 10 more min until rice is tender and chicken cooked through. -
Finish with Cheese & Garnish:
Remove from heat. Sprinkle Parmesan, optional mozzarella, lemon zest, and parsley. Gently stir to combine and let sit 2–3 min off heat for a creamy finish.
Notes
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No Wine? Substitute with stock + lemon juice.
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Extra Creamy: Stir in mozzarella at the end.
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Add Veggies: Fold in spinach, peas, or mushrooms for a colorful twist.
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Spicy Option: Swap garlic powder & red pepper flakes for Cajun seasoning.
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Brown Rice: Requires more stock (~7–8 cups) and longer simmer (35–40 min).