Air-Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice Skillets

AF-200 Crew Recipe

Air-Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice Skillets

Some dinners don't need a complicated sauce to steal the show. Juicy garlic chicken, buttery rice, roasted vegetables and plenty of freshly grated Parmesan come together into one rich, comforting skillet that's packed with flavour without feeling heavy. Every spoonful is loaded with garlic butter, herbs and crispy golden chicken. Simple ingredients. Proper comfort food.

Air-Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice Skillets
Air-Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice Skillets preparation stage

You’ll Need

For the Chicken
600g chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic granules
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Rice
250g cooked long-grain rice
1 small onion, finely diced
150g mushrooms, sliced
150g frozen peas
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
25g butter

Parmesan Finish
60g freshly grated Parmesan
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Juice of ½ lemon

Optional but Dangerous

Crispy bacon pieces

Mozzarella

Chilli flakes

Garlic bread

Extra Parmesan

Method

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C.

Toss the chicken with the olive oil, garlic granules, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper until evenly coated.

Place the chicken into the air fryer basket and cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until lightly browned and cooked through.

Meanwhile, place the onion, mushrooms and butter into a foil tray or heatproof dish.

Air fry for 5 minutes until softened.

Stir in the grated garlic, cooked rice and peas.

Add the cooked chicken and mix everything together.

Return to the air fryer for 5–6 minutes at 180°C, stirring once halfway through, until everything is piping hot.

Remove from the air fryer and immediately stir through the grated Parmesan, chopped parsley and lemon juice until the cheese melts into the rice.

Finish with extra Parmesan before serving.

Serve immediately with garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Lad Tip: Grate your Parmesan fresh instead of using pre-grated bags. Fresh Parmesan melts properly into the hot rice, giving you a silky, savoury finish instead of a slightly powdery texture.

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