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Lighter One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice (Easy Dinner)

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A lighter, one-pan version of garlic Parmesan chicken and rice that comes together in about 40 minutes. This easy weeknight dinner features tender chicken, creamy rice, and a rich garlic Parmesan flavor without the guilt.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (about ¾ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add uncooked rice to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes until grains look slightly translucent at the edges.
  6. Pour in chicken broth, water, and lemon juice. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, including any juices from the plate.
  8. Cover the skillet tightly with foil (or a lid) and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. Do not peek.
  9. Remove from oven and carefully uncover. Sprinkle grated Parmesan and dollop Greek yogurt over the top. Stir gently to combine.
  10. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip searing the chicken—it adds depth of flavor. For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and avoid instant rice. If rice is still firm after 25 minutes, add 2 tablespoons hot broth, re-cover, and bake for another 5 minutes. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow rice to absorb remaining moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan chicken and rice, garlic parmesan chicken, easy weeknight dinner, lighter chicken recipe, one pan meal

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/lighter-one-pan-garlic-parmesan-chicken-and-rice-easy-dinner/