Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Lemon Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Lemon Rice is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender Parmesan-crusted chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, served alongside fluffy lemon-infused brown rice. The dish balances zesty lemon and aromatic garlic with fresh herbs and smoked paprika, making it a delicious and easy dinner option that combines rich, savory flavors with bright citrus notes.


Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, large, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon Rice

  • 2 cups brown rice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper


Instructions

  1. Prepare Parmesan Mixture and Chicken: In a pie dish or shallow pan, combine the Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge each chicken breast thoroughly in the Parmesan mixture, shaking off any excess. Set aside.
  2. Melt Butter in Skillet: Heat a large skillet with a lid over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
  3. Cook Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook until golden brown on each side and cooked through, approximately 4-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and set aside.
  4. Prepare Rice Base: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir quickly and then add the brown rice, stirring continuously for about 1 minute to toast the rice lightly and coat it with butter and garlic flavor.
  5. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  6. Cook Rice: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with the lid. Simmer until the rice is fluffy and all the liquid is absorbed, approximately 40-45 minutes.
  7. Fluff Rice: Remove the skillet from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate grains and release steam.
  8. Rewarm Chicken: Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back on top of the rice in the skillet. Cover with the lid and place over low heat just to rewarm the chicken for a few minutes.
  9. Serve: Plate the chicken and lemon rice, garnishing with additional fresh Parmesan and chopped parsley for a flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the crust.
  • To ensure even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness if uneven.
  • Brown rice requires longer cooking time; do not substitute with white rice unless adjusting liquid and time accordingly.
  • If skillet size is small, use a larger pan to accommodate rice and chicken comfortably.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.