If you’re searching for a soul-satisfying meal that combines simplicity and incredible flavor, the One-Pan Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish is a hearty, comforting meal where tender, golden crusted chicken breasts nestle over a creamy, cheesy bed of perfectly cooked rice, all made in one pan for easy cleanup. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate and quickly becomes a favorite for busy weeknights and family dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial to building that mouthwatering combination of textures and tastes. Each one plays an important role — from the crispiness of the breadcrumb coating to the creamy richness of Parmesan melting into the rice.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes juicy and tender under the cheese crust.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided): Adds umami and creaminess to both chicken coating and rice.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko): Creates a satisfyingly crunchy crust for the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (divided): Infuses gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings herbaceous depth to the coating.
- 2 large eggs: Help the breadcrumb mixture stick perfectly to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken golden brown before baking.
- 1 cup long-grain rice: The base that soaks up all the rich chicken broth and cheese flavor.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory notes to cook the rice beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Stirred into the rice at the end for extra silkiness.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish): Offers a fresh, peppery brightness and a pop of color to finish.
How to Make One-Pan Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by warming up your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that when the chicken and rice head into the oven, everything cooks at the perfect even temperature, making your cooking process smooth and efficient.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Give each chicken breast a generous seasoning with salt and pepper on all sides. This simple seasoning is essential for building flavor beneath the breadcrumb crust and helps bring out the natural juiciness of the chicken once cooked.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, mix half of the grated Parmesan, the breadcrumbs, half the garlic powder, and the Italian seasoning. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mix. This step adds a marvelous crunchy, cheesy layer that will bake into golden perfection.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until a gorgeous golden crust forms. This searing not only locks in moisture but also adds texture and flavor you’ll love.
Step 5: Prepare the Rice
Remove the chicken from the skillet temporarily. Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat all the grains in the flavorful oil and browned bits left behind from the chicken. Then pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the remaining garlic powder over everything. This layering of flavors sets the foundation for the creamy rice that’s coming next.
Step 6: Combine and Bake
Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice in the skillet. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to trap the steam and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through — juicy on the inside with that irresistible crust on the outside.
Step 7: Finish the Rice
When the baking time is up, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and take the chicken breasts out. Stir the butter and the remaining Parmesan cheese into the rice, mixing until the cheese melts and the rice becomes wonderfully creamy. Place the chicken back on top, letting the flavors mingle before serving.
Step 8: Serve
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley to add a splash of vibrant green and a little brightness to every bite. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy chicken and luscious, cheesy rice. This is truly comfort food at its best!
How to Serve One-Pan Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley brings a lovely pop of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness that balances the richness of the Parmesan cheese so beautifully. You might also try a squeeze of lemon to add a subtle zing if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This One-Pan Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add some veggies, consider a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus. Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans also pair nicely, offering a bit of crunch and vibrant color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced over the rice in rustic bowls or family-style on a large platter. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of additional cheese on top for a decadent finish. You can also add a few cherry tomatoes roasted alongside the dish for bursts of sweet acidity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice may thicken as it cools, but reheating with a splash of broth or water will revive its creamy texture beautifully.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the rice might change slightly when thawed, but the flavors remain just as delightful.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of added chicken broth or water to prevent dryness. Cover the dish while reheating to keep moisture locked in, restoring that lovely creaminess in the rice.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is traditional and gives a fantastic umami kick, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or a mild Asiago for a creamier finish. Just keep the quantity the same for balance.
Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs are preferred because they create that light, crispy crust, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have. Just expect a slightly denser texture on the crust.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure your chicken broth is also gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version.
What can I do if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! You can use a regular skillet for the searing step, then transfer the rice and chicken into a baking dish before putting it in the oven. Just cover the dish tightly with foil to keep the moisture in.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It should be juicy and no longer pink inside. The rice will be tender and creamy at the same time, which indicates the whole dish is perfectly cooked.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about the One-Pan Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe that keeps pulling me back to the kitchen. It’s an effortless way to get a wholesome, comforting dinner on the table without a lot of fuss, and the flavor combination never disappoints. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to add a little magic to their weeknight menu!
Print
One-Pan Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This One-Pan Parmesan Chicken and Rice recipe combines crispy, golden-breaded chicken breasts with creamy Parmesan-infused rice, all cooked together in a single skillet for an easy, flavorful, and comforting meal. The dish features a simple but delicious blend of Italian-inspired seasonings and a creamy finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (divided)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken and rice together.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper, enhancing their natural flavor before breading.
- Bread the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine half of the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, half teaspoon garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture for a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Prepare the Rice: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily. Add the long-grain rice to the skillet, stirring it to coat with the remaining oil and crispy bits for extra flavor. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle in the remaining half teaspoon garlic powder.
- Combine and Bake: Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice in the skillet. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish the Rice: Take the skillet out of the oven and remove the chicken temporarily. Stir in the butter and remaining Parmesan cheese into the rice until melted and creamy. Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it atop the creamy rice.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the harmonious flavors of creamy Parmesan rice and crispy chicken.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness when breading the chicken.
- Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet to transition smoothly from stovetop to oven.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley or basil can be used instead for garnish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- For a lower fat version, use low-fat cheese and reduce olive oil quantities.
