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!

Print

Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

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.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: One-Pan / Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star