Is there any other effortless dinner combination better than chicken and rice? There are dozens of different variations for making this comforting meal from nearly every corner of the world; it seems that just about every culture has a staple rice and chicken recipe. We’ve recently shared my mom’s classic chicken and rice recipe, and Cuban Arroz con Pollo, to name just a few of my favorite versions. This Parmesan Lemon Chicken and Rice recipe is a fun twist you can easily make in one skillet using boneless chicken thighs. The rice is zesty, yet perfectly rich from the combination of lemon and Parmesan cheese. It’s also very creamy and luxurious, but without any heavy cream or canned ingredients.
The Best Parmesan Lemon Chicken and Rice Skillet
This bright and comforting recipe is a great midweek dinner idea for spring. It requires only a handful of wholesome ingredients, and is easily made in well under an hour using one skillet. The chicken and rice make hearty main and side dishes, and pair well with light, fresh salads that take just a few minutes to make. You can also try other robust and healthy veggie sides like simple Oven Roasted Broccoli, or really punch up the seasonal flavors with my favorite Lemon Butter Roasted Asparagus! And speaking of seasonal delights, I must recommend enjoying this lemony chicken and rice skillet with sweet berry desserts – like this Berry Crostata with Lemon-Honey Ricotta Cream – and light, fruity cocktails. Doesn’t a Sherry Cherry Cobbler Cocktail sound really good right about now?
What Ingredients You Need
You’ll love how few ingredients are needed for this easy one-skillet recipe. Each component shines beautifully, and all work so wonderfully together to create a dreamy, creamy rice and chicken meal.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs Butter Sweet Onion Garlic Long-grain rice Lemons Dried rosemary Chicken bouillon Water Parmesan cheese Chopped parsley Salt and pepper
How to Make Lemon Chicken and Rice
- Set a large sauté pan (with a lid) over medium heat, and add the butter. Once melted, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Next, salt and pepper the chicken thighs liberally on both sides.
- Gently push the sautéed onions and garlic to the sides of the pan. Then place the chicken thighs in the skillet in a single layer. Brown the chicken for 1-2 minutes per side, just until color forms. Move the chicken to a holding plate and set aside.
- Mix together the rice, lemon zest, rosemary, and bouillon in the skillet. Stir well, and place the chicken pieces on top of the rice. Pour in the water and give a gentle stir around the chicken.
- Bring the dish to just barely a boil. Cover the skillet, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is cooked through. The water should be completely absorbed and there should be vent holes in the top of the rice when it’s done.
- Lastly, remove the lid and move the chicken pieces to the side of the pan or to a plate. Stir in ¼ cup lemon juice, the Parmesan cheese, and parsley into the rice. Taste and season as needed. The rice should be creamy, slightly cheesy, and wonderfully fragrant. Serve the chicken and rice warm. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or lemon slices, if you like.
What Substitutions Can I Use in Place of White Rice?
Brown rice or orzo pasta would be yummy alternatives to traditional long-grain white rice in this skillet recipe. If using brown long-grain rice, be sure to first cook the rice in the skillet according to package instructions. Then add the chicken back to the pan half way through cooking. Try cauliflower rice for a low carb recipe: Increase the original chicken thigh cooking time while browning to 4-5 minutes each side, and cut the covered simmer time down (with the chicken and riced cauliflower) to 10 minutes.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Rather than Thighs?
You absolutely can make this Parmesan Lemon Chicken and Rice Skillet with chicken breasts. You’ll want to either filet the breasts in half, or pound thin to ensure even cooking.
Can This Chicken and Rice Skillet Be Made Ahead?
Yes! This recipe is great for dinner and lunch meal preps, and tastes delicious when reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. The chicken and rice keep well together stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Looking for More Easy One Skillet Recipes?
Buffalo Chicken and Rice Creamy Salsa Verde Chicken Chicken Broccoli Quinoa One-Pot Shrimp Black Bean Rice Chicken Gnocchi
Share This Recipe With Friends!
