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One Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Bake

creamy garlic parmesan chicken and rice bake - featured image
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This cozy, creamy chicken and rice bake is packed with garlic, parmesan, and juicy chicken, all cooked together in one pan for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers cheesy, comforting flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (about 900g)
  • 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked, jasmine or basmati preferred)
  • 2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper, to taste (about 1/2 tsp salt and a big pinch of black pepper)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. (Optional: dust lightly with 1 tablespoon flour for a crust, skip for gluten-free.)
  3. In a large oven-safe skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat in the garlic butter. Cook for 1 minute to toast the rice. Add chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of pepper.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and half of the parmesan cheese (1/2 cup). Pour this mixture evenly over the rice in the pan and swirl gently.
  6. Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Spoon a bit of the creamy sauce over each piece of chicken. (If adding veggies, tuck them around the chicken now.)
  7. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35 minutes.
  8. Remove foil. Sprinkle mozzarella and remaining parmesan evenly over the chicken and rice. Return to oven (uncovered) and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden and chicken reaches 165°F internally.
  9. Let the pan rest for 10 minutes after baking. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For best results, use long grain white rice and freshly grated cheese. Let the bake rest after cooking for a creamy, set texture. Add veggies like peas or spinach for extra nutrition. To make ahead, assemble up to the cheese topping and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. For a golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pan, chicken and rice, creamy, garlic, parmesan, easy dinner, casserole, family meal, comfort food, oven baked, gluten-free

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/one-pan-creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-and-rice-bake-recipe-easy-family-dinner/