Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes considerably longer to cook and requires more liquid. If using brown rice, increase the chicken stock to about 3½ cups and plan for a cooking time of 35-40 minutes. You might want to cook the chicken separately and add it at the end to prevent overcooking.

What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with additional chicken stock and add a tablespoon of lemon juice for acidity. You'll miss some of the depth of flavor, but it will still be delicious.

My rice turned out mushy/undercooked. What went wrong?

Rice can be tricky! For undercooked rice, add a bit more liquid (¼ cup at a time) and continue cooking. For mushy rice, remove the lid and cook on low heat to evaporate excess moisture. Different rice varieties and even pot types can affect cooking times.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor profile will change somewhat, but it will still be delicious.

One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe

Name: One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb. chicken tenders; Poultry seasoning or cajun seasoning; 3 tablespoons minced garlic, divided (about 10 cloves); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 stick butter (1/2 cup), divided; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio); 1 1/2 cups white rice, uncooked (basmati, long grain, or jasmine); 2 3/4 cups low sodium chicken stock; 1/2 cup quality Parmesan cheese, freshly grated or shredded; 1 tablespoon freshly minced parsley

This One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero! Tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice bathe in a luxurious garlic butter sauce, all topped with melty Parmesan cheese. The best part? Everything comes together in just 30 minutes using one pan, meaning incredible flavors with minimal cleanup. This dish strikes that perfect balance between comfort food indulgence and practical cooking that busy home cooks crave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic, butter, white wine, and Parmesan creates an incredibly rich, restaurant-quality taste that feels indulgent.
Quick Preparation: From start to finish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love this dish – it’s that perfect combination of familiar comfort food with an elevated taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken tenders: The perfect quick-cooking protein that stays juicy and tender. They’re sized just right to cook evenly and quickly.
Poultry seasoning: Brings depth to the chicken (Cajun seasoning works wonders here for a bit more kick).
Garlic: The star of the show! Gives that incredible aroma and flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
Olive oil: Creates the perfect sear on the chicken and adds a subtle fruity note.
Butter: Creates the rich, velvety base for our sauce. This is not a place to compromise!
Red pepper flakes: Adds just enough heat to wake up the flavors without overwhelming.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
White wine: Deglazes the pan and adds wonderful complexity to the sauce. The alcohol cooks off, leaving just the flavor.
Rice: The perfect canvas for soaking up all those incredible flavors. Different varieties will give slightly different textures.
Chicken stock: Provides the cooking liquid for the rice while adding depth of flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty finish that elevates the entire dish. Please use real Parmesan here!
Parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and bright flavor to finish the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Protein Options

Swap the chicken tenders for boneless thighs, shrimp, or even sliced pork tenderloin. Each will bring its own flavor profile while working beautifully with the garlic-Parmesan sauce.

Vegetable Additions

Mix in peas, asparagus tips, or baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.

Herb Variations

Try fresh thyme or rosemary instead of parsley for a different aromatic direction.

Make It Creamy

Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese when stirring in the Parmesan for an even more indulgent version.

How to Make One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken tenders generously on both sides. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and cook the chicken about 3 minutes per side until golden. Reduce heat to low.

Step 2: Create the First Layer of Flavor

Add 2 tablespoons of butter and a tablespoon of minced garlic to the pan. Let the garlic become fragrant as you scrape up those wonderful brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Toss the chicken in this mixture to coat well, then remove and set aside under tented foil.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Increase heat to medium-low and add 4 tablespoons butter and another tablespoon of garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until fragrant, then pour in the white wine. Let it simmer and reduce for 3-5 minutes, filling your kitchen with an amazing aroma.

Step 4: Reserve and Prepare Rice

Set aside 1/3 cup of the pan juices for later. Turn heat to medium and add the uncooked rice directly to the pan. Toast it for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to develop nutty undertones.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

Pour in the chicken stock, salt, and red pepper flakes. Make sure the rice is completely submerged, bring to a low boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Step 6: Combine Components

Stir the cooked rice and fold in the Parmesan cheese. Cut the chicken into pieces (or leave whole if preferred) and arrange evenly over the rice.

Step 7: Finish with Garlic Butter Sauce

Combine 3 tablespoons of softened butter with the remaining garlic in a small bowl. Heat briefly in the microwave until partially melted, then stir in the reserved pan juices and chopped parsley. Drizzle this luxurious sauce over the entire dish.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Since it will be added back to the hot rice later, slightly undercooking the chicken initially ensures it remains tender.
Toast the Rice: Don’t skip the step of toasting the rice in the pan—it develops a nutty flavor that elevates the whole dish.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Real Parmesan cheese (not the pre-grated stuff in the green can) makes a tremendous difference in the final flavor.
Scrape Those Brown Bits: When adding liquids to the pan, be sure to scrape up all the browned bits from cooking the chicken—that’s pure flavor!
Let It Rest: Allow the finished dish to sit for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish.

Bread Accompaniment

A crusty piece of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left in the pan.

Wine Selection

Since you’re already using white wine in the recipe, continue the theme by serving the same wine with dinner. A crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay works beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, the texture of the rice may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a covered skillet with a tablespoon of water or broth to restore moisture. Microwave on medium power with a damp paper towel covering the dish to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes considerably longer to cook and requires more liquid. If using brown rice, increase the chicken stock to about 3½ cups and plan for a cooking time of 35-40 minutes. You might want to cook the chicken separately and add it at the end to prevent overcooking.
What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with additional chicken stock and add a tablespoon of lemon juice for acidity. You’ll miss some of the depth of flavor, but it will still be delicious.
My rice turned out mushy/undercooked. What went wrong?

Rice can be tricky! For undercooked rice, add a bit more liquid (¼ cup at a time) and continue cooking. For mushy rice, remove the lid and cook on low heat to evaporate excess moisture. Different rice varieties and even pot types can affect cooking times.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor profile will change somewhat, but it will still be delicious.

This One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice combines the best of comfort food with elegant flavors, all while keeping cleanup to a minimum. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The creamy, garlicky rice paired with tender chicken creates a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing dinner guests, this dish delivers on flavor without demanding too much of your time. Give it a try tonight—I promise your kitchen will smell amazing and your taste buds will thank you!