One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Tender chicken thighs cooked with garlic and Parmesan cheese in a creamy rice base, all made in one pot for easy cleanup. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then add to the skillet and brown for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 cloves minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup long grain white rice to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly to coat the grains in the garlic oil.
- Step 4: Pour in 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup heavy cream until melted and creamy.
- Step 6: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet nestling them into the rice mixture, cover and cook on low for 5 more minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 7: Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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