Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting one-pan meal featuring juicy, seasoned chicken and buttery garlic rice infused with Parmesan cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes for easy cleanup!
- Rich & Flavorful: Garlic, butter, and Parmesan make the rice irresistibly creamy.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap proteins, or make it spicy!
- Kid-Friendly: A comforting, cheesy rice dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Long-grain white rice (like jasmine or basmati)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions

- Season & Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Simmer the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Add Cream & Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Slice the chicken and place it on top of the garlic Parmesan rice. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Creamy Mushroom Version: Add sliced mushrooms when cooking the garlic.
- Lemon-Garlic Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the rice separately for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or milk.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes and add extra broth as needed.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work great.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the rice and chicken separately, then combine when ready to serve.
How do I make the rice extra creamy?
Use more heavy cream or stir in a little cream cheese for extra richness.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the garlic and rice, add broth, and pressure cook on high for 6 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan and cream.
What side dishes pair well with this?
Roasted vegetables, a green salad, or garlic bread complement this meal.
Can I make this without cream?
Yes! Use milk, Greek yogurt, or just extra broth for a lighter version.
What other cheeses work besides Parmesan?
Try Asiago, Romano, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Stir occasionally and use a non-stick skillet or heavy-bottomed pan.
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes! Reduce the broth and simmer for just 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Conclusion
Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful, creamy, and comforting dish that’s easy to make and packed with cheesy garlic goodness. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep, this one-pan meal is a guaranteed hit. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home!
PrintChicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a one-pan meal that’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! Juicy, seasoned chicken served over buttery, garlicky rice with Parmesan cheese—perfect for a quick and comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pan / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (or 4 small breasts)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (200 g) long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 75°C).
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Garlic Parmesan Rice
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in rice and toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
3️⃣ Finish & Serve
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (if using).
- Return the chicken to the skillet, letting it warm for a minute.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
📌 Want a Veggie Boost? Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the rice.
🔥 Spicy Kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce.
🧄 Extra Garlic Flavor? Roast the garlic before adding it to the rice.
🍗 Crispier Chicken? Coat with Panko breadcrumbs before cooking.