One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
A comforting one-pot meal with tender chicken thighs, creamy Parmesan rice, and garlic-infused vegetables. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, tablespoons olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Add chicken thighs to skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup long grain white rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the rice in garlic-flavored oil.
- Step 4: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Step 5: After 15 minutes, stir in 1/2 cup frozen peas and return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them on top of the rice. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until the rice is tender and peas are heated through.
- Step 6: Remove skillet from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot 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 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 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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