Quick & Delicious Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rice

Introduction

When you need a meal that’s both impressively flavorful and simple to make, this Quick & Delicious Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rice delivers every time. Zesty lemon brightens juicy chicken breasts, while savory Parmesan and aromatic garlic elevate humble ingredients into a satisfying, restaurant-worthy dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite at family dinners.

Why Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rice Works

The winning combination of tangy lemon, nutty Parmesan, and bold garlic infuses tender chicken with vibrant flavor, while the rice soaks up the delectable sauce for a complete, one-pan meal. Everything comes together in about 30 minutes, so you get maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s a reliable, go-to recipe for anyone who wants delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.

Layered Flavors for the Perfect Chicken

Sautéing fresh garlic first unlocks its rich aroma, while a quick pan sear creates a golden crust on the chicken. A splash of lemon juice and zest give the sauce brightness and depth, perfectly balanced by the umami notes of grated Parmesan. Together, these elements create a meal that tastes far more complex than it is to make.

Rice: The Ideal Side for Soaking up Sauce

Fluffy white or brown rice acts as the perfect base to absorb all the zesty, creamy pan sauce. Cooking the rice separately lets you control texture, but you can also use quick-cooking or leftover rice to save even more time. The rice complements the chicken without overpowering its delicate flavors.

Serving Suggestions for a Standout Meal

For added freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the finished dish. Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for a colorful, balanced plate. A wedge of lemon on the side allows guests to customize the brightness of their meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes 4 generous servings. Each portion (including rice) contains approximately 475-525 calories, along with satisfying protein and a boost of vitamin C from the lemon. The meal is filling, wholesome, and easy to adjust to your nutritional needs by using brown rice, reducing cheese, or adding extra veggies.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and stress-free meal planning.

Instructions

1. Begin by cooking the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until tender (about 15-20 minutes for white rice, or according to package directions for brown rice).
2. While the rice cooks, season chicken cutlets on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
4. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
5. Pour in lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 1 minute, then stir in Parmesan until melted and sauce slightly thickened. Add chicken back to pan and spoon sauce over the top; cook for 2 minutes to reheat and infuse with flavor.
6. Fluff rice with a fork and divide between plates. Top with chicken and spoon over the lemon garlic Parmesan sauce. Garnish with parsley and extra lemon wedges, if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Quick & Delicious Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rice is an excellent addition to your weekly meal rotation—it’s versatile, easy to scale, and reheats beautifully for next-day lunches.

Save and schedule this recipe to plan which days you’ll serve it, and instantly create a smart shopping list that consolidates all your weekly ingredients.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
– Sorts shopping lists by grocery store departments
– Avoids forgetting key items or overbuying
– Streamlines your weeknight cooking and meal prepping

Pro tip: When planning several dinners, schedule recipes together—if another recipe uses garlic, lemon, or Parmesan, CookifyAI will automatically summarize your total needs for hassle-free shopping and reduced food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

—

With its tangy, savory flavors and minimal prep, Quick & Delicious Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rice is sure to become a staple in your meal planning routine.