Name: Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 cups cooked long grain white rice; 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; ¼ cup chicken broth (optional, for loosening the rice if needed)

I absolutely love one-pan meals, especially when they pack as much flavor as this Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice. This dish is comfort food with a little flair—the kind that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. There’s something deeply satisfying about golden, seared chicken nestled into buttery rice with sweet bursts of corn and a hit of sharp, nutty Parmesan. It smells incredible while cooking, and the whole skillet comes together in under 45 minutes.

This is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it checks all the boxes: easy cleanup, simple ingredients, and bold flavor. Plus, I always get rave reviews when I make it. The garlic-Parmesan rice is creamy and rich without needing any cream, and the charred corn adds the perfect pop of sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a new twist on chicken and rice, this skillet has your name on it.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice

One-pan magic: Everything cooks together, which means fewer dishes.
Big flavor, small effort: Garlic, Parmesan, and crispy chicken bring serious taste.
Weeknight-friendly: Done in about 40 minutes, with minimal prep.
Customizable: Add veggies or change up the seasonings to make it your own.
Family-approved: It’s creamy, cheesy, and just a little crispy—kids love it too.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for This Skillet?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my top pick for this recipe. They stay juicy, cook quickly, and develop a beautiful golden-brown sear that adds so much depth to the dish. But if you prefer something leaner, chicken breasts work too—just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster. You can also cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking to get more surface area caramelized.

If you’re in a rush, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can also be used. Just shred it and stir it in at the end—though you’ll miss out on the crispy, seared flavor.

Options for Substitutions

Rice: I use long grain white rice, but jasmine or basmati will also work. Brown rice takes longer but is a great whole-grain option.
Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned—use whatever’s easiest. Just make sure to drain canned corn well.
Parmesan: Freshly grated Parm is ideal, but Pecorino Romano or a shredded Italian blend works too.
Butter: Swap with olive oil for a lighter version.
Chicken: Tofu or chickpeas are great vegetarian alternatives.
Add Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.

Ingredients for This Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken thighs – Juicy and tender, they sear beautifully and carry the seasoning well.
Cooked rice – Acts as the hearty base, soaking up all the garlicky, buttery flavors.
Corn kernels – Add sweetness and texture to balance the richness of the dish.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives the skillet its deep savory flavor.
Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty sharpness and helps create that creamy finish in the rice.
Butter – Infuses the rice with richness and helps brown the chicken.
Olive oil – Used to sear the chicken and sauté the garlic without burning.
Salt and pepper – Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Paprika – Gives the chicken a smoky edge and a gorgeous golden color.
Chopped parsley – Fresh and bright, perfect for garnishing and balance.
Chicken broth (optional) – Adds moisture and depth if the rice needs loosening up.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry and seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Corn

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add a tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then stir in the corn and cook for another 2–3 minutes to get a slight char on the kernels.

Step 3: Add Cooked Rice

Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir well to combine it with the garlic, corn, and butter. Pour in a splash of chicken broth if the rice feels too dry. Let it cook for a few minutes so the rice picks up all the flavors from the pan.

Step 4: Stir in Parmesan

Turn off the heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. The heat from the rice will melt the cheese, making it creamy and rich. Taste and adjust seasoning with a bit more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 5: Return Chicken to the Skillet

Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the rice, spooning some of the garlicky mixture over the top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How Long to Cook the Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This entire dish comes together in about 35 to 40 minutes from start to finish. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Searing the chicken: 8–10 minutes total (4–5 minutes per side).
Sautéing garlic and corn: 3–4 minutes.
Finishing the rice and melting the Parmesan: 5–7 minutes.
Reheating everything together: 2–3 minutes.

Using pre-cooked rice significantly speeds things up, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Dry the chicken well before searing to get that perfect golden-brown crust.
Don’t rush the sear—give the chicken time to develop color before flipping.
Use leftover rice that’s a day old for the best texture. Fresh rice tends to be too sticky.
Grate your own Parmesan for maximum flavor and meltability.
Add a splash of broth if the rice starts sticking or feels too dry.
Taste as you go—especially after adding the cheese—to balance the saltiness.
Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving to help everything settle and absorb the flavors.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using wet chicken: Moisture prevents a proper sear, so always pat your chicken dry with paper towels first.
Skipping the preheat: Adding chicken to a cold skillet means less browning and more sticking—preheat your pan well.
Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and turns bitter if overdone. Sauté it just until fragrant, then move on.
Overcrowding the skillet: If the pan is too full, the chicken will steam instead of sear. Work in batches if needed.
Adding cheese too early: Parmesan should go in off-heat. Too much heat makes it clumpy instead of creamy.
Not seasoning in layers: Season the chicken, taste the rice, and adjust the final dish—don’t wait until the end.

What to Serve With Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice?

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the skillet.

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside and buttery on the inside—perfect for scooping up the rice.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasted with olive oil and sea salt, it adds crunch and nutrition.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Fresh, juicy, and lightly acidic—it refreshes the palate.

Sautéed Greens

Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard cooked with garlic makes a great earthy side.

Lemon Herb Yogurt Dip

A tangy dip or sauce on the side cools the richness and adds a Mediterranean twist.

Grilled Zucchini

Smoky and tender, it’s a nice veggie pairing with a touch of lemon juice.

Crisp White Wine

A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy, garlicky flavors.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), this dish stores incredibly well.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the rice. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Avoid freezing fresh parsley—add that fresh after reheating for best results.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – serves 4)

Calories: 480
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 620mg

Keep in mind, actual values may vary slightly based on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of rice works best for this skillet?

Day-old long grain white rice works beautifully because it stays fluffy and doesn’t clump. Jasmine or basmati are great too. Avoid short grain or sticky rice for this dish.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works if that’s what you have. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it’s leaner and dries out faster than thighs.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all. It’s full of flavor, but not heat. If you want a kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, crispy tofu, or canned chickpeas for a hearty meat-free version.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or peas all make great additions. Just sauté them before adding the rice.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to refresh the rice, or use the microwave in short intervals while stirring in between.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead—like the rice and seared chicken—then assemble and finish everything in under 10 minutes when ready to serve.

Does it taste good cold?

Surprisingly, yes! The garlic-Parmesan rice still holds its flavor well when chilled, though it’s best served warm for full comfort food vibes.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the ultimate cozy, satisfying meal that’s both effortless and impressive. With crispy chicken, sweet corn, and creamy, cheesy rice all in one pan, it hits all the right notes: savory, hearty, and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this skillet delivers flavor without the fuss. It’s easy to customize and even easier to love.