Savory Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan & Basil Chicken and Rice You’ll Love

This 30-minute sun-dried tomato and Parmesan chicken rice dish is a treat for those who love Mediterranean flavors.

People often look for meals that bring together protein, grains, and tasty ingredients in one pan.

When it comes to weeknight dinners, we all need quick and yummy options that fill up the family without too much hassle.

Chicken paired with rice offers a comforting meal with a touch of gourmet flair.

Adding Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes turns simple items into something you’d expect at a fancy restaurant.

A sprinkle of fresh basil gives it an aromatic twist, making this easy recipe unforgettable.

Common Questions About 30-Minute Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan, And Basil Chicken And Rice

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out. Ensure breasts reach 165°F internal temperature for food safety.

• Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?

Always rinse rice to remove excess starch, which helps prevent sticky or clumpy rice. Use cold water and drain until water runs clear.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F at the thickest part. The meat should also look opaque and white, not pink.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth. Double-check all ingredient labels to confirm no gluten-containing additives are present.

Why 30-Minute Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan, And Basil Chicken And Rice Works

• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious chicken and rice dish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Combines rich sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and savory Parmesan cheese to create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal ingredients and easy preparation.
• One-Pan Magic: Eliminates multiple dish cleanup by cooking chicken and rice together in a single pan, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after a long day.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for different taste preferences and easily scaled to feed a small family or provide leftovers for lunch, making it a flexible and practical dinner solution.

Everything In 30-Minute Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan, And Basil Chicken And Rice

• Chicken Thighs: Hearty main protein with rich flavor and tender texture, bone-in and skin-on recommended for best results.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning to enhance chicken's natural taste, freshly ground preferred.

• Garlic: Fresh minced adds depth and classic savory undertone, provides robust flavor base.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tangy flavor that adds Mediterranean complexity, packed with intense tomato essence.
• Fresh Basil: Bright herb that brings fresh, peppery note and vibrant green color, chopped just before adding.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich umami character, freshly grated recommended.

• Olive Oil: High-quality oil for searing chicken and creating initial flavor foundation, extra virgin preferred.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional layer of savory taste, low-sodium option suggested for better control of salt.
• White Rice: Neutral grain that absorbs surrounding flavors, long-grain variety works best for even cooking.

How To Make 30-Minute Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan, And Basil Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Searing

• Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels
• Sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper
• Ensure chicken reaches room temperature before cooking

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering

Carefully place chicken skin-side down into hot pan

Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy

Flip chicken and cook additional 3-4 minutes

Transfer chicken to a clean plate

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Add minced garlic to pan

Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant

Pour chicken broth into skillet

Gently scrape bottom of pan to release browned bits

Return chicken to skillet

Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes

Step 3: Cook Perfect Rice

Add washed rice directly into skillet with chicken

Reduce heat to low

Cover and cook for 12 minutes

Remove from heat

Let sit covered for 5 minutes to absorb remaining liquid

Step 4: Enhance with Delicious Toppings

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes around chicken

Scatter torn basil leaves

Dust with Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Final Crispy Touch

Return skillet to high heat

Sear chicken skin for extra crispiness

Cook 2-3 minutes without additional oil

Serve immediately and enjoy

Quick Tips For 30-Minute Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan, And Basil Chicken And Rice

• Perfectly Crisp Chicken Skin: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and beautiful golden color.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let chicken rest in seasoning for 10-15 minutes before cooking to allow salt and pepper to penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Rice Texture Trick: Rinse rice thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch, guaranteeing fluffy and separated grains that won't become sticky.
• Herb Preservation Technique: Add fresh basil at the very end of cooking to maintain its vibrant green color and preserve its delicate, aromatic flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternative for a lactose-free version that still delivers rich, savory notes.

How To Store 30-Minute Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan, And Basil Chicken And Rice

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping chicken and rice separately to maintain texture.
• Cooling: Let the dish cool completely to room temperature before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and condensation.
• Refrigerator Storage: Safely keep chicken and rice in the fridge for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and quality.
• Reheating: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to retain moisture, stirring rice gently to prevent drying out.

What Goes Well With 30-Minute Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan, And Basil Chicken And Rice

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio's bright acidity perfectly complements the rich, savory chicken and cuts through the creamy Parmesan.
• Serve with Fresh Cucumber Salad: Light, cool cucumber salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the warmth of the chicken and adds refreshing contrast to the sun-dried tomato's intense flavor.
• Create Mediterranean Side Spread: Kalamata olives, marinated artichoke hearts, and a dollop of tzatziki provide tangy, herbal notes that enhance the dish's Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Recommend Herbal Iced Tea: Mint or basil-infused iced tea offers a clean, aromatic drink that echoes the basil in the recipe and provides a cooling counterpoint to the warm chicken and rice.

Flavor Variations On 30-Minute Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan, And Basil Chicken And Rice

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the dish's hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and use boneless, skinless chicken breasts to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the recipe's rich Mediterranean-inspired taste.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a plant-based version that preserves the original recipe's aromatic herbs and sun-dried tomato essence.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Remove Parmesan cheese and replace with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals while maintaining the recipe's savory depth.

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 56 1x

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Description

Succulent 30-Minute Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan, and Basil Chicken and Rice delivers Mediterranean warmth with elegant simplicity. Quick weeknight dinners welcome this flavor-packed meal that combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and creamy rice in one delightful plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 56 ounces (1587 grams) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Grains and Liquid:

• 1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice, washed
• 2 cups chicken broth

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or about 10 leaves)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by seasoning chicken thighs with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Create a golden sear in a heated pan with olive oil, positioning chicken skin-side down to develop a crisp, caramelized exterior.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the pan, allowing its aromatic essence to infuse into the meat within 30 seconds of adding.
4. Pour chicken broth around the chicken, covering the pan to facilitate gentle, even cooking and moisture retention.
5. Allow the chicken to simmer softly, transforming into tender, succulent pieces over 12-15 minutes.
6. Incorporate washed rice directly into the pan, nestling it around the chicken pieces to absorb the rich, developing flavors.
7. Reduce heat and cover, enabling the rice to absorb the remaining liquid and cook thoroughly for approximately 12 minutes.
8. After cooking, let the dish rest covered, allowing residual steam to complete the rice’s final texture refinement.
9. Delicately fold sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese into the rice, distributing ingredients evenly.
10. Return chicken thighs to the pan, ensuring they rest atop the herb-infused rice mixture.
11. Optional enhancement: Create an ultra-crispy chicken skin by briefly searing the thighs in a dry nonstick pan for additional textural contrast.

Notes

• Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness during cooking.
• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown crispy skin that develops beautiful caramelization.
• Use fresh basil leaves instead of dried for a brighter, more vibrant herb flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Adjust rice liquid ratio if using different rice varieties like brown or wild rice, which typically require more cooking time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 56
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg