Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice

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Golden, pan-seared chicken thighs sit on a bed of creamy garlic Parmesan rice, dotted with sweet corn and finished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. It’s one of those comfort meals that feels indulgent yet simple enough for any night of the week. The flavors are rich and savory, the kind that make you want to scrape the bottom of the pan.

This one-skillet wonder is not only visually inviting with its golden crust and colorful corn kernels, but it also fills the kitchen with the irresistible scent of garlic and buttery cheese. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or impressing a guest, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

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

This recipe brings together everything we love about homestyle cooking: a crispy, juicy protein, creamy and cheesy rice, and a touch of sweetness from fresh corn. It’s hearty, satisfying, and the kind of dish that doesn’t need any sides to feel complete. Plus, since everything cooks in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze.

Busy weeknight? This dish is quick to prepare and even better as leftovers. Craving comfort? The garlic-Parmesan combo hits all the right notes. Looking for something crowd-pleasing? Watch everyone at the table go back for seconds.

What Cut of Chicken Works Best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this dish because they stay moist and cook quickly with a nice sear. You could also use chicken breasts, but they might require slightly less time to avoid drying out. For extra flavor, marinating the chicken beforehand adds a great boost, though it’s not essential.

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Ingredients for the Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Each ingredient in this skillet meal has a purpose—whether it’s building flavor, adding texture, or rounding out the dish. Here’s what makes this one-pan meal so delicious:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – These provide rich flavor and remain tender during cooking.
• Olive oil – Used to sear the chicken and sauté the aromatics.
• Garlic – Infuses the rice with deep, savory aroma.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
• Uncooked rice – Soaks up all the delicious juices and forms the creamy base.
• Corn kernels – Brings sweetness and color; fresh, frozen, or canned all work.
• Chicken broth – Adds depth and flavor to the rice.
• Butter – Finishes the rice with a silky, rich texture.
• Chopped parsley – For a fresh pop of green and a bright finish.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer.

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How To Make the Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Toast the Rice

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add a touch more oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 3: Simmer the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the corn kernels, cover the skillet, and let it cook until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed (about 15-18 minutes).

Step 4: Add Cheese and Butter

Once the rice is cooked, stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Garnish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a bit more Parmesan if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!

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How to Serve and Store Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This dish is a full meal on its own, making it ideal for both quick weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners. It serves 4 people generously. To serve, scoop a portion of rice with the juicy chicken on top, making sure to get all the cheesy bits and golden corn kernels.

To store, let the skillet cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice if needed. You can also freeze portions for up to a month.

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

Although this skillet is a complete dish, you can elevate the meal with these tasty sides:

Garlic Roasted Green Beans

Crispy and vibrant green beans pair well with the savory flavors of the skillet.

A Fresh Garden Salad

A mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette adds refreshing contrast.

Honey-Butter Cornbread

Soft and slightly sweet, cornbread adds another comforting element to your meal.

Roasted Asparagus

The earthy flavor of asparagus balances the creamy rice beautifully.

Lemon-Dressed Arugula

A peppery and citrusy arugula salad can cut through the richness of the dish.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tangy carrots bring a delightful pop of color and flavor.

Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Zest

Simple, nutritious, and subtly zesty—perfect for a balanced plate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work too, but be cautious not to overcook them as they tend to dry out faster than thighs. You may also want to slice them thinner for even cooking.

2. What kind of rice should I use?
Long-grain white rice is ideal as it cooks up fluffy and doesn’t get too sticky. You can also use jasmine or basmati for added aroma.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cook everything ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth to keep the rice creamy.

4. Is there a way to make it dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives. Nutritional yeast can be used in place of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.

5. Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, frozen corn works perfectly. No need to thaw—just add it straight to the skillet during the simmering stage.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time. Follow me on Pinterest for more easy skillet recipes and comfort food ideas!

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with thighs or switch it up? Maybe tried it with spicy corn or added some chili flakes?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, one skillet at a time.

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Conclusion

The Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice brings comfort food to your table without the mess or stress. With just one pan, you get juicy, golden chicken, creamy cheesy rice, and pops of sweet corn that everyone at the table will love. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a keeper.

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