Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice: A Comfort Food Classic Done Right

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There’s something about a skillet meal that speaks to your soul. Maybe it’s the way flavors meld together in one sizzling pan or the satisfaction of knowing you only have one dish to wash after dinner. But when you make this Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice, you’re doing more than cooking. You’re creating a meal that comforts, satisfies, and reminds you why homemade food always hits different.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this dish meets you where you are. It’s versatile, flavorful, and uses everyday ingredients in a way that feels elevated but approachable. And best of all? It’s all done in under an hour.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s look at what you need to bring this dish to life.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

🧾 Ingredient Table

Ingredient	Amount
Chicken tenderloins	1.5 pounds
Corn kernels (fresh or frozen)	8 ears (about 3–4 cups)
Poultry or Cajun seasoning	To taste
Minced garlic	3 tablespoons (about 10–12 cloves), divided
Olive oil	4 tablespoons
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 stick (4 oz.), divided
Red pepper flakes	½ teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Dry white wine	¾ cup
White rice (basmati, jasmine, long grain)	1½ cups
Chicken stock (low-sodium)	2¾ cups
Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)	⅔ cup
Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)	½ cup
Fresh parsley (minced)	1 tablespoon

🛒 Kitchen Equipment

• Large nonstick skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

🔥 Why This Chicken and Corn Skillet Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation

You’re busy. You want meals that are fast, fulfilling, and delicious. This skillet checks all the boxes.

💡 Benefits of This Recipe:

• Quick cleanup – One pan means fewer dishes.
• Balanced meal – Protein, vegetables, carbs, and healthy fats in one serving.
• Customizable – Add your own twist with seasonings, extra veggies, or even swap the cheeses.
• Meal-prep ready – It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for your weekly lunch lineup.

🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This section walks you through each phase of cooking, broken into clear and manageable parts.

🌽 Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Your corn forms the sweet and savory base of this recipe, so treat it well.

1. In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of softened butter with:
   • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
   • ½ cup Parmesan cheese
   • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
   • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in your skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the corn kernels and sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from the skillet and place in a bowl.
5. Stir in one large spoonful of your garlic-Parmesan butter mixture into the warm corn. Set aside.

✅ Pro Tip: If using frozen corn, pat it dry with a towel first. This prevents sogginess and enhances caramelization.

🍗 Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Juicy, seasoned chicken tenderloins give this dish its heart.

1. In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil on medium.
2. Season your chicken with your chosen spice blend (poultry or Cajun).
3. Add chicken tenderloins in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side.
4. Reduce heat to low and add:
   • 2 tablespoons butter
   • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
5. Spoon the garlic butter over the chicken and cook another 2 minutes.
6. Remove chicken, cover with foil, and keep warm.

✅ Pro Tip: Want super tender chicken? Marinate the tenderloins in buttermilk for 30 minutes before cooking.

🍚 Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Rice

Here’s where the magic happens. This rice is rich, creamy, and packed with savory flavor.

1. Add 3 tablespoons butter and the remaining garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1–2 minutes.
2. Pour in the dry white wine and simmer until reduced by half (about 3–5 minutes).
3. Scoop out ¼ cup of the pan sauce and mix it into your remaining garlic-Parmesan butter.
4. Add 1½ cups uncooked white rice and stir frequently for 4–5 minutes, toasting lightly.
5. Pour in 2¾ cups chicken stock and ½ teaspoon salt.
6. Bring to a light boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
7. Let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and fluffy.

✅ Pro Tip: For creamier rice, don’t lift the lid while simmering.

🧀 Step 4: Assemble and Finish the Dish

Now bring all those flavors together for the final flourish.

1. Stir the cooked rice gently.
2. Fold in:
   • Sautéed corn
   • ⅔ cup Monterey Jack cheese
   • Additional Parmesan (optional)
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
4. Slice chicken and arrange over the rice.
5. Drizzle with remaining garlic-Parmesan butter.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra cheese.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few side ideas:

• Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or green beans
• A simple fruit salad for contrast

📌 Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here’s how to tailor it to your preferences.

🔄 Protein Swaps

• Turkey tenderloins
• Shrimp (add in the final 5 minutes of rice cooking)
• Tofu (pan-seared for a vegetarian version)

🌾 Grain Alternatives

• Brown rice (increase liquid and cook time)
• Quinoa
• Orzo pasta

🧀 Cheese Variants

• Gruyère
• Fontina
• Cheddar (for a kid-friendlier option)

📊 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Approx. Amount
Calories	600 kcal
Protein	40g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fats	28g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	4g

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen corn?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and dry it before sautéing. This helps it brown properly instead of steaming.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be. Double-check that your stock and seasonings are gluten-free.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook everything and store it in airtight containers. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.

What wine works best?

Dry whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay all work well. No wine on hand? Substitute with extra stock and a splash of lemon juice.

📣 Final Thoughts: Make This Skillet Your Signature Dish

You now have a recipe that delivers bold flavor, comfort, and convenience all in one. This Chicken and Corn Skillet with Garlic Parmesan Rice doesn’t just fill your stomach—it fills your home with warmth and joy.

You’ve got the tools, the steps, and the secrets. All that’s left is for you to grab your skillet and create something that brings smiles around your table.

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💬 Ready to Cook?

If you tried this recipe, let us know how it turned out! Share your variations or tag your dish on social with #GarlicParmesanSkillet. Hungry for more one-pan wonders? Subscribe for weekly recipes and kitchen hacks tailored just for home cooks like you.

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