One-Pot Garlic Chicken and Rice Skillet

A flavorful, easy weeknight dinner all made in one skillet—juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and bold seasonings come together for a comforting family favorite!

This Garlic Chicken and Rice Skillet is the kind of meal you’ll keep coming back to. It’s simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor thanks to a blend of warm spices, sautéed garlic and onion, and a touch of creamy parmesan. Even better? It’s all made in a single pan for a fast and fuss-free cleanup. Whether you’re feeding your family or planning leftovers for lunch, this dish is a satisfying solution any day of the week.

 Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~341 per serving

Ingredients

For the Chicken Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Skillet:

• 1½ pounds chicken tenders (or thinly sliced chicken breasts)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ½ onion, finely minced
• 2–3 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 1½ cups uncooked long grain white rice (such as jasmine)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

 Instructions

1. Prepare the Seasoning
   In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
2. Season the Chicken
   Pat the chicken tenders dry. Rub the seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken pieces. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
   In a large deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken tenders and cook for about 5–6 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and cover loosely with foil.
4. Sauté the Aromatics
   Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet, then stir in the minced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant.
5. Add Rice and Broth
   Stir in the uncooked rice, ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, and the chicken broth. Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Check for Doneness
   After 20 minutes, check the rice. If it’s still firm or there’s extra liquid, cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Finish and Serve
   Fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and place it on top of the rice. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Rice options: You can use basmati rice or brown rice, but adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed.
• Cheese swap: Try Pecorino Romano or shredded mozzarella for a twist.
• Add vegetables: Stir in peas, steamed broccoli, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
• No parmesan? Skip it or substitute with a dairy-free alternative.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice soft and moist.

 What to Serve With Garlic Chicken and Rice

• A crisp green salad or simple cucumber and tomato salad
• Roasted vegetables or sautéed green beans
• Flatbread or warm pita on the side

This Garlic Chicken and Rice Skillet is a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that checks all the boxes—easy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a regular on your table.