Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
Looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that satisfies every craving? This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned to perfection, seared, and simmered with fluffy, buttery rice infused with garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of creamy Parmesan cheese. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
- Balanced Flavors: The zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and creamy Parmesan blend beautifully.
- Versatile: Perfect as a standalone dish or paired with a light side salad.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and Dry Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they sear beautifully.
- Season Generously: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat the Pan: In a large, deep skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Sear Both Sides: Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside (it will finish cooking later).
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add Butter: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
- Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the butter and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly toasted.
- Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth, milk, lemon juice, and zest. Stir in thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
- Return Chicken to the Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the rice mixture.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
Step 6: Add Parmesan Cheese
- Cheesy Finish: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir gently to combine, allowing the cheese to melt into the dish.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Plate the Dish: Scoop the rice onto plates and place a chicken breast on top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, add a few lemon slices, and finish with extra Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with these sides:
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or carrots.
- Fresh Salads: A light Caesar or mixed greens salad.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy, lemony sauce.
Tips for Success
1. Use High-Quality Parmesan Cheese
- Freshly grated Parmesan offers better flavor and melts smoothly into the dish.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Overcooked chicken can become dry.
3. Adjust the Liquid Ratio
- If the rice isn’t fully cooked but the liquid is absorbed, add a splash of chicken broth or water and continue cooking.
4. Experiment with Herbs
- Swap parsley and thyme for basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.
5. Let it Rest
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld.
Variations
1. Spicy Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rice
- Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
2. Mediterranean Twist
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
3. Vegetable-Loaded Version
- Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the rice for extra nutrients.
4. Creamy Alternative
- Replace milk with heavy cream for an ultra-rich, indulgent dish.
5. Gluten-Free Option
- Use gluten-free broth and double-check the Parmesan cheese for gluten-free labeling.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid slightly, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
2. Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well in this recipe.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Replace milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk.
4. How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Ensure you stir the rice occasionally during cooking and use a nonstick skillet if possible.
5. Can I add wine to this recipe?
For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with ½ cup of dry white wine after sautéing the garlic.
This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe is a foolproof dish that combines wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing dinner guests. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a family favorite!
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
Looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that satisfies every craving? This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned to perfection, seared, and simmered with fluffy, buttery rice infused with garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of creamy Parmesan cheese. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- For the Rice:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mix onto both sides of the chicken breasts. - Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Cook the Rice:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
Stir in the rice, coating it in the butter. Add the chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine and Bake:
Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the rice is tender. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Add Vegetables: Toss in chopped spinach, peas, or asparagus with the rice for added nutrition.
- Alternative Proteins: Swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs or shrimp for a variation.