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If you’re craving a comforting, soul-satisfying meal that’s both easy and bursting with flavor, this Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, juicy chicken seared to golden perfection, nestled atop a bed of creamy, garlicky Parmesan rice that’s rich and velvety with just the right touch of freshness from parsley. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels indulgent yet approachable—perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or any time you need a delicious dinner to look forward to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses familiar and straightforward ingredients that each play a special role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the spices that elevate the chicken, to the Parmesan cheese that melts into the rice, every component matters.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose your favorite cut for tender, flavorful protein that cooks beautifully in the skillet.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and a lovely color to the chicken’s crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory depth of seasoning on the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life and balancing the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a rich base for searing the chicken with a beautiful golden finish.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Adds luscious creaminess and helps infuse the rice and garlic with comfort-food goodness.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is the star for that unmistakable aromatic punch throughout the dish.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: The perfect rice choice for a fluffy, separate, yet creamy texture after cooking.
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth: Soaks into the rice, building deep, savory flavor with every grain.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty richness to the rice that makes every bite a delight.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional): Elevates the creaminess factor and makes the rice extra luscious—totally optional but highly recommended.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish): Fresh parsley brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note that balances the richness.
How to Make Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thoroughly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides. This simple spice mix lends a wonderful aroma and depth to the chicken. Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. Once ready, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside—your skillet is about to become the star for the rice.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Toast the Rice
In the same skillet, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden, filling your kitchen with irresistible aroma. Then add the rice, stirring well to coat it with the buttery garlic goodness. Toast the rice for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, so it develops a slightly nutty flavor and a perfect base for absorbing the broth.
Step 3: Simmer the Rice
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This little step adds incredible flavor depth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and lower the heat to maintain a slow cook. Let the rice absorb the liquid for 15 to 18 minutes or until it’s tender and fluffy, absorbing every bit of that savory broth.
Step 4: Finish with Parmesan, Cream, and Chicken
Once the rice is tender, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and, if you’re going for that extra creamy texture, add the heavy cream now. These final ingredients melt right in, creating a luscious, velvety texture. Nestle the chicken back into the pan, allowing it to warm through and mingle with the cheesy garlic rice before plating.
How to Serve Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped parsley right before serving is a simple touch that makes all the difference. It adds a pop of vibrant green color and a mild herbal freshness that cuts through the richness, making every bite more balanced and visually appealing.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus can add a refreshing crunch and wonderful contrast. Roasted carrots or a simple cucumber tomato salad also bring a light, fresh flavor to complement the garlic Parmesan richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced on top of the fluffy rice in individual bowls or plates, sprinkled with extra Parmesan and parsley. You can also add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. For a cozy family meal, serve straight from the skillet to keep things warm and casual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious if you enjoy it as next-day leftovers.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe handy for later, freezing works well. Portion the rice and chicken into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that rice texture may slightly soften after thawing but will still taste fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Covering the dish while reheating helps keep the chicken juicy and the rice creamy without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken adds even more flavor, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to ensure it’s cooked through. Just watch the rice closely and add broth as needed if it absorbs too quickly.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the recipe?
It’s optional, but the heavy cream brings a wonderful extra layer of richness and creaminess to the rice. If you prefer a lighter dish, feel free to skip it—the Parmesan and butter already create plenty of flavor.
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Long grain white rice is ideal because it cooks up fluffy and light while holding the broth well. Avoid short grain or sticky rice varieties, as they may become too clumpy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure your spices don’t contain any hidden gluten, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Feel free to stir in some vegetables like spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This adds color, nutrients, and extra flavor without complicating the recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals for a reason. It’s cozy, comforting, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to prepare on any busy day. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation, too!
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Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender seared chicken thighs cooked alongside fragrant garlic-infused Parmesan rice. The dish combines simple seasonings with creamy Parmesan and optional heavy cream for an indulgent yet easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Rice and Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry and season both sides evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant to build the base flavor for the rice.
- Toast the rice: Stir in the long grain white rice and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly which adds a nutty depth.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid fully absorbed.
- Finish the rice: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream if using, until creamy and well combined.
- Reheat the chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet nestled on top of the rice. Cover and warm through for a few minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh color and flavor boost before serving hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash more heavy cream or top with shredded mozzarella cheese before serving.
- This recipe works well with bone-in chicken pieces; just increase the cooking time to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Parsley can be swapped with fresh basil or chives as an alternative garnish.
