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Kid-Approved One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice

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A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs, creamy Parmesan rice, and plenty of garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish comes together in about 45 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, but thighs stay juicier)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (like jasmine or basmati), rinsed well
  • 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Let them sit while you get the pan ready.
  3. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pan with the garlic and butter. Stir for about 1-2 minutes, until the rice starts to look translucent at the edges and smells nutty.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the remaining Italian seasoning and the onion powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  7. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, placing them on top of the rice. Pour in any juices from the plate.
  8. Cover the skillet with its lid (or tightly with foil) and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
  9. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Uncover and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Return the skillet to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
  10. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip rinsing the rice to avoid gummy texture. Sear the chicken well for maximum flavor. Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the rice to absorb remaining liquid. For best results, use a 12-inch skillet so the rice layer is about an inch deep for even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan chicken and rice, garlic parmesan chicken, easy weeknight dinner, family-friendly meal, comfort food, one skillet meal

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/kid-approved-one-pan-garlic-parmesan-chicken-and-rice/