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Flavorful One-Pan Chicken and Rice

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Simple one-pan recipe with chicken and rice in a flavorful garlic butter sauce and parmesan. Great for a fast weeknight meal with easy cleanup.
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Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 17:10:46 GMT
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Savory One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice | tastybysophie.com

This one-pan garlic parmesan chicken and rice dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful rice, and rich parmesan creates an impressive meal that's deceptively simple to prepare.

Essential Ingredients

  • Chicken tenders: Quick-cooking and naturally tender. Cut chicken breasts into strips as an alternative.
  • Long-grain rice: Basmati or jasmine rice work equally well. Rinse before cooking.
  • Unsalted butter: Creates the rich sauce base. Essential for proper flavor.
  • Fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic provides the best flavor foundation.
  • Dry white wine: Choose a quality drinking wine like Pinot Grigio.
  • Fresh parmesan: Grate just before using for optimal melting.
  • Chicken stock: Low-sodium variety allows better seasoning control.
  • Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and visual appeal.
One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe Pin it
One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Essential Techniques

Chicken Preparation

Cook chicken tenders over medium heat to achieve golden browning while maintaining moisture. Coating them in garlic butter before removing from the pan infuses extra flavor.

Developing Base Flavors

Toast the rice in the seasoned pan to incorporate the fond and develop deeper flavors. The wine reduction concentrates the sauce while adding complexity.

Finishing Sauce

Reserve some of the wine-butter pan sauce to combine with fresh garlic later. This finishing sauce adds an extra layer of flavor when drizzled over the completed dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside roasted green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to complement the rich sauce. A light green salad with citrus dressing provides fresh contrast. For formal occasions, begin with a light soup and end with a simple dessert.

Variations

Incorporate frozen peas for color and sweetness. Add cherry tomatoes and olives for Mediterranean flair. Include red pepper flakes for heat or finish with cream for extra richness.

Storage Instructions

Keeps for 3 days refrigerated. Reheat with a splash of stock to maintain moisture. Chicken can be prepared in advance for meal planning.

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Best One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Professional Tips

  • Add fresh lemon zest as garnish
  • Allow chicken to develop proper sear
  • Be generous with garlic quantity

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Could I swap chicken tenders for another cut?
Sure! Slice chicken breasts into similar-sized strips and adjust cooking time so they're fully cooked.
→ Is there an alternative to using white wine?
Of course! Substitute it with extra chicken broth and add a bit of lemon juice or white vinegar for tang.
→ What sides would go nicely with this?
Pair it with a green veggie, like steamed broccoli or a crisp salad, though the dish itself is plenty filling!
→ Can I prepare and store this ahead?
Totally. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days and warm it up gently with some extra broth.
→ How can I stop the rice from sticking to my pan?
When toasting, stir often and use a good non-stick pan or a well-seasoned one to prevent sticking.

Chicken & Rice Parmesan

Tender chicken and buttery garlic rice topped with parmesan come together in one pan. A great quick meal ready in no time!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Proteins & Grains

01 1 pound of chicken strips
02 1½ cups of raw white rice (jasmine, basmati, or long-grain)

→ Aromatics & Seasonings

03 3 tablespoons of garlic, finely chopped, split portions (around 10 cloves)
04 Seasoning for poultry (cajun flavor works best!)
05 Half a teaspoon of crushed red chili flakes
06 Quarter teaspoon of salt
07 A tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped up small

→ Fats & Liquids

08 2 tablespoons of olive oil
09 1 stick of butter (½ cup total), separated into portions
10 ¾ cup of dry white wine (Pinot Grigio is a good choice!)
11 2¾ cups of chicken broth with low sodium
12 ½ cup of parmesan cheese (grated or shredded, good quality)

Instructions

Step 01

Season both sides of the chicken pieces. Heat a skillet on medium-high with olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side, flipping once. Then, turn the temperature to low.

Step 02

When the chicken is almost done, drop in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of the chopped garlic. Cook for another minute while stirring and scraping up the browned bits. Coat the chicken all over with this mixture. Take out the chicken and cover it with foil to keep warm.

Step 03

Using the same skillet but on medium-low heat, add 4 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of garlic. Let it cook for a bit until you can smell the garlic. Stir in the wine and let the mixture reduce for 3 to 5 minutes. Take out and save ⅓ cup of this liquid for later.

Step 04

Crank up the heat to medium, toss in the raw rice, and stir it around for about 5 minutes in the skillet to toast it lightly.

Step 05

Pour in the chicken broth, salt, and chili flakes. Make sure all the rice is covered with the liquid. Let it come to a light bubble, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 20 minutes, just until the rice softens up.

Step 06

Stir in the parmesan with the rice. Optionally slice the cooked chicken or leave the pieces whole and arrange them over the rice. Combine the rest of the garlic with 3 tablespoons of softened butter and the saved pan juice. Add parsley to this and pour it over the dish. Sprinkle on more parmesan if you’d like!

Notes

  1. Entire meal gets cooked in one skillet
  2. A lifesaver on busy weeknights
  3. Done and ready in half an hour

Tools You'll Need

  • A big skillet with a lid
  • Some foil
  • Measuring tools for cups and spoons
  • A small bowl to mix in

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy products (butter, parmesan)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 675
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 60 g
  • Protein: 35 g