If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate cozy and flavorful dinner, look no further than this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day: juicy chicken, bright citrus, punchy garlic, and luxurious Parmesan, all melded together over perfectly cooked rice. Ready in about half an hour, this one-pan wonder is a weeknight hero you’ll want to make again and again!

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice is how a handful of simple, familiar ingredients create a symphony of flavor. Each component brings something special, whether it’s richness, brightness, or that irresistible cheesy finish.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites every time.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out the flavors of the entire dish.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of background warmth and depth.
Olive oil: A reliable base for sautéing, it keeps things light while enhancing every ingredient’s flavor.
Garlic: Three cloves, minced, make sure this skillet is rich with garlicky goodness in every mouthful.
Long grain white rice: Stays fluffy and separate, soaking up all the savory juices and lemony notes.
Chicken broth: The liquid that cooks your rice, adding body and a savory backbone to the dish.
Dried thyme: Adds a subtle herbal note that lets the lemon and garlic shine even more.
Lemon (zest and juice): The real zinger; zest for fragrance, juice for brightness, both to cut through and balance the richness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Don’t skimp! This brings luxurious creaminess and a punch of umami.
Butter: Just enough to bring everything together and taste extra silky.
Chopped fresh parsley: A scatter on top perks up every bite and adds beautiful color to the finished dish.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle over the salt and pepper, tossing until every juicy morsel is coated. This not only seasons the chicken all the way through, but also helps create a flavorful base for the whole skillet.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Lay in the chicken pieces and let them cook, stirring every so often. After about 5-6 minutes, the outsides should be deliciously golden and the insides beautifully cooked through. Scoop them out and set aside, saving all those tasty browned bits in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet (no need to wipe it out), add the minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant and mellowed. This short sauté ensures garlic flavor infuses the oil without burning or turning bitter.

Step 4: Toast the Rice

Add the long grain rice to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step deepens the rice flavor and gives it a wonderful texture, while letting the grains soak up a hint of that garlicky oil.

Step 5: Simmer with Broth and Flavorings

Stir in the chicken broth, dried thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let everything come up to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down, cover, and let it simmer. After 15 to 18 minutes, the rice should be tender, fluffy, and packed with zesty, herby goodness.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan, Butter, and Chicken

Once the rice is done, fold in the cooked chicken, grated Parmesan, and butter. Stir until everything melts together and the Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice turns creamy, luscious, and loaded with savory umami. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s irresistibly creamy and all the chicken is warmed through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle over the fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness. Dish it up while hot so you can savor all those bright and comforting flavors in every forkful!

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Garnishes

Finish your Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice with a generous scatter of chopped fresh parsley. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a light grate of lemon zest or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds more zing and a pretty flourish.

Side Dishes

This dish shines all on its own, but if you’d like to round out your table, go for simple sides. Try crisp roasted green beans, a lemony arugula salad, or some honey glazed carrots. Warm, crusty bread is also fantastic for scooping up every bit of saucy rice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of dinner party magic, serve this dish in shallow wide bowls to let the colors and textures pop. Or, for family-style feasts, bring the whole skillet right to the table and let everyone dig in. Leftovers can even be packed into single-serve containers for colorful, envy-inducing lunches the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any extra Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days – the flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making for fantastic leftovers.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Spoon portions into freezer-safe containers, let cool completely, and seal tightly. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep things moist and creamy. Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until everything is piping hot and delicious once again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are extra juicy and flavorful, though you may need to cook them a little longer than breasts. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same directions for fantastic results.

Is it okay to substitute brown rice?

Yes, but keep in mind brown rice will need more liquid and a longer cook time. Add extra chicken broth as needed and expect the simmering to take 35-40 minutes for perfectly tender brown rice.

Can I make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice dairy-free?

You can try it! Use a plant-based butter and your favorite vegan Parmesan alternative, or simply omit the cheese for a lighter but still flavorful result.

How can I add vegetables to this dish?

Chopped spinach, peas, or finely diced zucchini can be stirred in during the last 5 minutes of cooking the rice. They’ll soften beautifully and add a burst of color and nutrition to your Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice.

What kind of skillet works best?

A large, heavy skillet with a lid is ideal to ensure even cooking. Stainless steel or non-stick both work well—just make sure it’s roomy enough so everything simmers without crowding.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice brings together everything I love in a weeknight dinner: vibrant flavors, creamy comfort, and total ease. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself. I can’t wait for you to dig in and make it your own—give it a try and let it add a spark of brightness to your dinner table!

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice recipe is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, fragrant garlic, zesty lemon, creamy Parmesan cheese, and fluffy rice. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Rice:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long grain white rice
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Toast rice: Stir in the rice and toast. Add chicken broth, thyme, lemon zest, and juice. Simmer until rice is tender.
Combine: Stir in cooked chicken, Parmesan cheese, and butter until creamy. Garnish with parsley and serve.