There’s nothing quite like a one-pan meal that’s both easy and packed with flavor. This dish brings together tender chicken, aromatic rice, and the irresistible richness of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh basil—all in just 30 minutes! Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and fine dining flavors, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or special occasions. So grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love 30-Minute Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan, and Basil Chicken and Rice
Versatile: Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a dish for entertaining guests, this recipe fits every occasion. It’s elegant yet effortless.
Budget-Friendly: No fancy ingredients here—just simple pantry staples that come together in the most delicious way.
Quick and Easy: If you think cooking from scratch takes too much time, this recipe will prove you wrong. It’s straightforward, foolproof, and beginner-friendly.
Customizable: Love spice? Add a dash of cayenne. Want more greens? Toss in some spinach. This dish is all about making it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults, picky eaters—everyone will devour this meal! The combination of flavors is universally loved.
Ingredients in 30-Minute Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan, and Basil Chicken and Rice
Here’s why each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in creating the perfect bite:
Chicken Thighs: The heart of the dish, offering juicy, tender bites that soak up all the incredible flavors.
Rice: Cooks in the same pan, absorbing the rich broth and seasoning for maximum flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems bring a deep, tangy sweetness that complements the Parmesan beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth and a touch of creaminess to the dish.
Basil: Fresh and fragrant, basil brings a burst of freshness that ties everything together.
Garlic and Onion: Essential aromatics that build the foundation of flavor.
Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with extra flavor while keeping everything moist and delicious.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat. A properly preheated pan ensures an even cook on your chicken.
Sear the Chicken: Add a bit of oil and sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides. This locks in the juices and adds extra flavor.
Sauté Aromatics: Remove the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. This step is where the magic starts!
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rice, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth. Make sure everything is well mixed to evenly distribute the flavors.
Simmer to Perfection: Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and let it all cook until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Finishing Touches: Stir in Parmesan and fresh basil, letting the heat melt the cheese and bring everything together beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate up your dish and garnish with extra Parmesan and basil for a stunning final touch.
How to Serve 30-Minute Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan, and Basil Chicken and Rice
Fresh Salads: A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any remaining juices and adding a satisfying crunch.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted zucchini, asparagus, or a medley of bell peppers make great additions.
As a Standalone: This dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own with just a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Chop your ingredients in advance to make dinner even quicker.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika adds a little extra kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
Double the Batch: This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? A1: Yes! Chicken breasts work well but may cook a little faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A2: Absolutely! Cook it ahead and reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers? A3: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish? A4: Yes! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish? A5: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Q6: Can I use a different type of rice? A6: Long-grain white rice works best, but you can try brown rice—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q7: Can I add extra vegetables? A7: Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions.
Q8: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes? A8: Try using cherry tomatoes roasted in olive oil for a similar flavor.
Q9: Can I make this recipe dairy-free? A9: Yes! Omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast.
Q10: How can I make this dish even healthier? A10: Use brown rice for added fiber and swap Parmesan for a lower-fat cheese alternative.
This dish is a game-changer when you need something quick, delicious, and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!
Print
30-Minute Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan, and Basil Chicken and Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy dinner recipe is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender, high-protein chicken thighs, fragrant rice, and rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and basil. Perfect for quick dinner ideas, this dish delivers fine dining flavors in just 30 minutes! Whether you’re craving homemade recipes or looking for a healthy lunch or dinner, this dish is a must-try.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice, washed
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or about 10 leaves)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions
-
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place skin-side down in the pan.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
-
Simmer the Chicken:
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, cover the pan, and let simmer for 12-15 minutes.
-
Cook the Rice:
- Add washed rice to the pan.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for another 12 minutes or until the broth is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and keep covered for a few minutes to let steam finish cooking the rice.
-
Add Final Ingredients:
- Remove the chicken thighs from the pan.
- Gently stir in sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
- Return the chicken thighs to the pan and serve.
-
Bonus Tip:
- For crispy skin, sear the cooked chicken thighs skin-down in a nonstick pan for 3 minutes without adding oil.
Notes
- Swap chicken thighs for boneless breasts if preferred.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- For a lower-carb version, substitute rice with cauliflower rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 110mg