Nothing says comfort food like a skillet packed with juicy chicken, sweet corn, and buttery garlic parmesan rice. This dish is the perfect fusion of rich flavor and effortless preparation, making it ideal for weeknights when you crave something hearty but quick. Each bite is layered with creamy, cheesy rice and golden-browned chicken that’s been seared to perfection and sprinkled with fresh herbs.

This one-pan wonder isn’t just about ease—it’s about creating a deeply satisfying meal using simple, everyday ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice is sure to earn a permanent spot in your rotation.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this recipe, boneless skinless chicken thighs are highly recommended. They stay moist and juicy through the cooking process and caramelize beautifully in the skillet. However, boneless chicken breasts can also be used if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful of cooking time to avoid drying them out.

Ingredients for the Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken Thighs or Breasts
Boneless and skinless cuts work best for quick and even cooking. They form the golden, flavorful base of the dish.

Cooked White Rice
Day-old rice or freshly cooked rice both work. It absorbs the garlic butter and parmesan perfectly, becoming the creamy, savory layer beneath the chicken.

Corn Kernels
Sweet corn adds a pop of color and natural sweetness. You can use fresh, canned, or frozen depending on what you have.

Garlic
Fresh minced garlic is key here for maximum flavor. It infuses the butter and rice with irresistible aroma.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds a nutty, salty richness to the rice. Freshly grated is best, but pre-shredded works too in a pinch.

Butter and Olive Oil
This combo helps to sear the chicken nicely and adds richness to the rice.

Chicken Broth
Just a splash to loosen the rice and bring everything together.

Parsley
Fresh chopped parsley on top brings color and a final touch of brightness to the dish.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken thighs (or breasts) with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for color and warmth. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil and butter. Once hot, sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and fully cooked through—about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Corn

In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add a bit more butter if needed. Toss in your minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the corn kernels and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly golden and tender.

Step 3: Add the Cooked Rice

Now, add the cooked white rice directly into the skillet with the garlic and corn. Pour in a splash of chicken broth to help everything blend together smoothly. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Stir in the Parmesan

Once the rice is hot and well mixed, sprinkle in your grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into the rice and becomes creamy. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

Step 5: Bring Back the Chicken

Nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet, pressing it gently into the cheesy rice mixture. Let it sit for a couple of minutes so the flavors can come together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish off with a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot straight from the skillet for that rustic, family-style feel.

How to Serve and Store This Chicken and Corn Skillet

This dish shines when served hot straight from the skillet, family-style. The rich parmesan rice paired with tender, seared chicken is filling enough to stand on its own, but you can also serve it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables on the side for extra color and crunch.

If you’re planning to make this ahead of time, it stores beautifully. Let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the rice and bring back its creamy texture. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a slightly nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the skillet.

What other cheese can I use besides parmesan?

If you’re out of parmesan, try pecorino romano or even a bit of shredded mozzarella for a gooier texture. Parmesan gives the best depth of flavor, but it’s flexible.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil for butter and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture might change slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Can I add vegetables to the mix?

Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or chopped zucchini would all blend well with the rice and chicken. Just sauté them along with the corn.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids usually love the cheesy rice and slightly sweet corn combo. You can adjust the garlic and seasoning levels to suit your family’s preferences.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

For an even quicker version, yes. Just skip the searing step and stir the shredded rotisserie chicken in during Step 5 to warm through.

Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?

If this Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice hit the spot, you’re going to love these other crave-worthy meals from my kitchen:

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine if you want a tangy twist on classic pasta.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a velvety, rich dinner.
Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta if you’re craving beefy comfort.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for an ultra-creamy one-pot meal.
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese when you need the ultimate cozy combo of cheese and chicken.

Explore these to find your next go-to dinner favorite.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time:
Find More Recipes on My Pinterest — Life with Nina

I’d love to see your version! Did you use chicken thighs or swap in rotisserie? Add any veggies? Drop a comment below and let’s trade tips. Your creativity helps everyone enjoy cooking a little more.

Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

A one-skillet comfort meal featuring juicy seared chicken, sweet corn, and creamy garlic parmesan rice. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, quick meal preps, or sharing around the table with loved ones. It’s full of cozy, cheesy flavor and comes together fast with everyday ingredients.

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in corn and sauté for 2–3 minutes until warmed and lightly golden.

3. Stir in the cooked white rice and pour in chicken broth. Mix well to combine and heat through.

4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the grated parmesan. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy. Season with salt if needed.

5. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes so the flavors can meld together.

6. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot straight from the skillet.