If you love meals that blend comfort, flavor, and simplicity, you’re going to adore this One-Pan Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts perfectly coated in a crispy, cheesy Parmesan crust, nestled on a bed of creamy, flavorful rice that soaks up every bit of savory goodness. This dish is pure magic in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and delivering a satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a hearty yet elegant meal that feels special but comes together with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but exactly what you need to create a dish that bursts with flavor and texture. Each plays an important role—from the creamy Parmesan cheese adding richness, to the Italian seasoning giving that perfect hint of herbaceous warmth, and the rice providing a comforting base that ties everything together.
- 4 boneless (skinless) chicken breasts: Choose even-sized pieces for uniform cooking and tender results.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors of the chicken and rice.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided): This cheese adds savory depth and a crispy crust that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko): Panko breadcrumbs create the perfect crunchy texture without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (divided): Garlic powder brings a mellow, aromatic touch that complements both chicken and rice beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A lovely blend of herbs that lifts the entire dish with classic Italian flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind the Parmesan and breadcrumbs for a perfect coating on the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding subtle richness to the dish.
- 1 cup long-grain rice: This rice cooks up fluffy and absorbs all the delicious chicken broth and seasonings.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory flavor to the rice as it cooks.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Stirred into the rice at the end for silky richness and extra flavor.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): A bright, fresh garnish that adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
How to Make One-Pan Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Always start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you finish prepping the chicken and rice. This ensures even, consistent baking for perfectly cooked chicken and fluffy rice.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper. This simple step is critical to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor, setting the foundation for the dish.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
In one shallow bowl, mix together half of the Parmesan cheese, the breadcrumbs, half the garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken breast in the eggs, then coat thoroughly with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture. This step creates that crave-worthy golden crust.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until they are beautifully golden brown. This quick sear locks in juices and adds a wonderful crispy texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Rice
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside temporarily. Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the oil and scrumptious browned bits left behind from the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the remaining garlic powder. This is when your rice starts absorbing all those rich flavors.
Step 6: Combine and Bake
Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice in the skillet. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil and pop the entire skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender, and the chicken is cooked through. This hands-off step lets the flavors meld together perfectly.
Step 7: Finish the Rice
Once out of the oven, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the skillet. Stir the butter and the remaining Parmesan cheese into the rice until melted and creamy. This final touch makes the rice irresistibly rich and smooth. Return the chicken on top of the rice, ready to serve.
Step 8: Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like a pop of green and fresh flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy this comforting, cheesy masterpiece at its best.
How to Serve One-Pan Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the perfect finishing touch. It adds not only vibrant color but also a fresh, slightly peppery taste that balances the richness of the Parmesan and butter. For an extra hint of zing, a light drizzle of lemon juice can brighten the entire dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Their fresh, earthy flavors and crunch create a lovely contrast to the creamy, cheesy chicken and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, plate the rice in small mounds and nestle each chicken breast on top for an elegant restaurant-style look. You could also add toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan over everything for an eye-catching finish. Serving family-style right from the skillet keeps things cozy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic lunch or next-day dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, place chicken and rice in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. To avoid sogginess, slightly undercook the rice before freezing and finish cooking after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the rice if needed. This method preserves the creaminess of the rice and keeps the chicken moist.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. You might need to bake it for an additional 15-20 minutes and adjust chicken broth accordingly.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs will work just fine, but panko provides a lighter, crunchier crust. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, you might want to toast them lightly before using to enhance the texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko, and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Is it possible to cook this recipe on the stovetop only?
You could attempt it, but baking is essential to cook the rice fully and allow the chicken to finish cooking through without burning the crust. Using the oven helps achieve the perfect tender rice and juicy chicken balance.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe is a true weeknight hero that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for busy evenings. Its combination of crispy, cheesy chicken and creamy, flavorful rice makes every bite satisfying and comforting. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever managed dinner without it!
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: American
Description
This One-Pan Parmesan Chicken and Rice recipe is a hearty and flavorful meal featuring crispy, golden-breaded chicken breasts baked together with tender, creamy Parmesan-infused rice. Prepared in a single oven-safe skillet, it combines ease and deliciousness in every bite, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 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 Mixture
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken and rice together.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, enhancing the flavor of the meat.
- Bread the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, the breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. In another bowl, beat the two eggs. Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture for a crispy crust.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown, sealing in juices and flavor.
- Prepare the Rice: Remove the chicken temporarily. Add the rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat it with the olive oil and flavorful browned bits left from the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the remaining 1/2 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 bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 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 breasts. Stir in the butter and the remaining 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese into the rice, mixing until the cheese melts and the rice becomes creamy. Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it atop the rice.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot to enjoy the perfect blend of crispy chicken and creamy Parmesan rice.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to allow stove-to-oven cooking without transferring dishes.
- Preferably use long-grain rice for texture and to prevent mushiness.
- Add chopped parsley or fresh herbs for a bright garnish and added flavor.
- If you prefer, boneless thighs can be substituted for the chicken breasts for more juiciness.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
