Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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

1. 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.
2. Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Toast the Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
4. 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.
5. Add Cream & Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.
6. 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!

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