One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Category: Complete Meals with Minimal Cleanup

This flavorful dinner brings together chicken tenders seared in olive oil and tossed with savory garlic butter. The same pan creates a rich base for rice, which simmers in aromatic white wine, chicken stock, and red pepper flakes. Once the rice is perfectly cooked, parmesan cheese melts in, while tender bites of chicken nestle back on top to soak up flavor. A finishing drizzle of garlic-herb butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley add richness and color to each serving. Serve family-style from the pan for a cozy, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.

A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:58:15 GMT
A pan of rice and chicken with cheese and garlic. Pin
A pan of rice and chicken with cheese and garlic. | mellierecipes.com

One-pan garlic parmesan chicken and rice is my go-to weeknight meal when I want big flavor without piles of dishes. Juicy chicken, tender garlicky rice, and loads of parmesan all cook together in one skillet for a comfort food classic that feels special but comes together fast.

I first made this on a crazy busy Wednesday night when everyone was starving and grumpy. Since then my family begs for it every week and I love that cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients

  • Chicken tenders: These cook fast and stay juicy Look for ones with minimal added liquid for best browning
  • Poultry or Cajun seasoning: Adds a punch of flavor without needing to measure a lot of spices
  • Minced garlic: Freshly minced makes all the difference in taste If using pre-minced go for one packed in water not oil
  • Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and adds richness Use extra virgin if you can for best flavor
  • Butter: Adds creamy texture and makes the sauce silky Choose a brand with a high butterfat content for best results
  • Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for gentle background heat Use more or less based on your preference
  • Salt: Brings the other flavors together Kosher salt is ideal because it is easier to pinch and measure
  • Dry white wine: Pinot Grigio works well Adds brightness and helps deglaze the pan Select something you like to drink for fullest flavor
  • White rice: Long grain basmati or jasmine all work Each cooks up fluffy and absorbs the flavors beautifully
  • Low sodium chicken stock: Adds depth without making things too salty Look for clear stock with a savory aroma
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated or shredded melts smoothly and tastes bold Choose a wedge or a high quality shredded brand
  • Fresh parsley: Adds color and freshness to finish Look for leaves that are bright and perky with no dark spots

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:
Pat chicken tenders dry and sprinkle both sides generously with your chosen seasoning Press lightly to help the seasoning stick and let the chicken sit while you prepare other ingredients
Brown the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and swirl in the olive oil Arrange the tenders in a single layer without crowding Let them cook for about three minutes on one side without moving so they get a nice golden crust Flip once and cook another three minutes
Make Garlic Butter:
Lower the heat and add two tablespoons butter with one tablespoon garlic Stir and let the garlic bubble gently for about one minute scraping the tasty browned bits with a wooden spoon Coat the chicken fully in the garlic butter for extra flavor
Rest the Chicken:
Move the chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm Let the flavorful juices stay in the pan
Build the Pan Sauce:
Raise the pan to medium-low Add four more tablespoons butter and another spoonful of garlic Sauté for about thirty seconds until the kitchen smells amazing Pour in the wine and let it simmer and reduce for three to five minutes until slightly syrupy
Reserve Some Pan Juices:
Carefully scoop out about one third cup of the pan juices and set aside for finishing the dish later
Toast the Rice:
Turn heat to medium and stir the uncooked rice right into the skillet Let it toast for five minutes stirring frequently It is ready when the grains turn a little translucent and nutty
Simmer the Rice:
Pour in chicken stock plus salt and red pepper flakes Give it a good stir and ensure the rice is submerged Bring to a gentle boil then cover and simmer on low for twenty minutes or until the rice is tender and fluffy
Add Parmesan and Chicken:
Fluff the rice gently with a fork Stir in the parmesan so it melts in Dice or slice the chicken and nestle it back over the rice
Finish with Garlic Parsley Sauce:
Mix softened butter with remaining garlic Microwave just to warm then blend in reserved pan juices plus parsley Drizzle this sauce over the whole dish and add more parmesan on top if you like
A delicious one-pan garlic Parmesan chicken and rice dish. Pin
A delicious one-pan garlic Parmesan chicken and rice dish. | mellierecipes.com

My favorite part is always the parmesan It forms a meltingly delicious blanket over the golden rice and reminds me of sharing big family pans at my grandmother’s Sunday table Everyone would fight for the crispy edges

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container Store in the fridge for up to three days The rice soaks up even more flavor overnight To reheat sprinkle a spoonful of water over the rice and microwave loosely covered until steaming This keeps the rice moist

Ingredient Substitutions

Boneless skinless chicken thighs work in place of tenders Just slice thin for quick cooking If you want to skip wine use extra chicken stock for a milder flavor For dairy free swap in olive oil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for creaminess

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a meal on its own but I love it with a crisp green salad or simple roasted broccoli on the side The flavors also work well with roasted green beans or a bright tomato salad For a cozy weeknight spread serve it family style right from the pan

Cultural Context

One pan meals have roots in European country cooking where busy cooks rely on single skillet dishes for both flavor and convenience This rice with rich garlic and parmesan echoes classic Italian comfort but with a modern easy approach

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, chicken breasts or thighs also work well. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked through before removing from the pan.

→ Is it necessary to use white wine?

No, white wine lends subtle flavor, but you can substitute with extra chicken stock if you prefer to skip the wine.

→ What type of rice is best?

Basmati, jasmine, or other long grain white rice are ideal. Avoid instant or quick-cooking varieties for the right texture.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Stir in spinach, peas, or pre-cooked vegetables when adding the chicken back, just before finishing the dish.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

This meal is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers reheat well. Store sealed in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Juicy chicken and tender rice with garlic, parmesan, and a buttery white wine sauce—all in one pan.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
30 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: One-Pot Meals

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: Contemporary European

Result Amount: 4 Portions (4 main course portions)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Chicken

01 450 g chicken tenders
02 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning or Cajun seasoning
03 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

→ Aromatics and Fats

05 3 tablespoons minced garlic, divided
06 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 113 g unsalted butter, divided (1 stick)

→ Rice and Liquids

08 270 g white rice, uncooked (basmati, long grain, or jasmine)
09 180 ml dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
10 650 ml low sodium chicken stock

→ Finishing Touches

11 50 g freshly grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
12 1 tablespoon freshly minced parsley

How to Prepare

Step 01

Season chicken tenders thoroughly with poultry or Cajun seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes. Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add olive oil. Place chicken in the skillet and cook for approximately 3 minutes per side, turning once, until golden. Reduce heat to low.

Step 02

Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté garlic until aromatic, about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits. Turn the chicken in the garlic butter to coat well. Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm under foil.

Step 03

Return skillet to medium-low. Add 4 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon garlic, sauté until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and let reduce for 3–5 minutes, allowing flavors to concentrate.

Step 04

Remove 80 ml (about 1/3 cup) of pan juices to a small bowl and set aside for finishing sauce.

Step 05

Increase skillet heat to medium. Add uncooked rice and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes to lightly toast.

Step 06

Pour in chicken stock, ensuring that rice is fully submerged. Add remaining salt and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 07

Stir Parmesan cheese into the hot rice. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave whole, and arrange over the rice in the skillet.

Step 08

In a small bowl, melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter with last tablespoon of garlic in microwave for 15 seconds until partially melted. Blend in reserved pan juices and minced parsley. Stir until combined.

Step 09

Drizzle parsley-garlic butter sauce over the chicken and rice. Top with additional Parmesan as desired and serve directly from the pan.

Extra Tips

  1. For enhanced flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and avoid pre-shredded varieties.
  2. Allow chicken to rest under foil to maintain juiciness while cooking the rice.

Tools Required

  • Large non-stick skillet with lid
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small mixing bowl

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains dairy (butter, Parmesan cheese) and may contain gluten if using non-certified gluten-free stock or seasoning.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 668
  • Fat Content: 36 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 56 grams
  • Protein Content: 34 grams