If you’re craving that perfect weeknight dinner that’s equal parts comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to pull together, you’ll absolutely love this Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken. Packed with juicy pieces of chicken, each grain of rice soaks up a savory blend of parmesan, garlic, and rich broth, making every bite a little celebration for your tastebuds. This simple one-pan meal has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, and once you’ve tasted it, I’m sure it’ll be in your regular rotation too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What really makes Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken shine is its handful of good-quality, everyday ingredients. Each component layers in flavor, color, and texture, so don’t skip on the simple details—they matter!
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, juicy bites that cook quickly and soak up all those delicious pan flavors.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps everything brown beautifully in the skillet.
- Salt: Highlights all the other flavors and ensures the chicken is seasoned throughout.
- Black pepper: Gives just the right amount of warmth and heat.
- Minced garlic: The star of the show! Fresh garlic releases its aroma and infuses the rice with mouthwatering flavor.
- Long-grain white rice: Each grain stays separate and fluffy, making it the best canvas for your sauce.
- Chicken broth: Deepens the savory base and turns plain rice into something spectacular.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the rice for creamy, cheesy goodness in every mouthful.
- Butter: Rounds out the dish with a luxurious, comforting finish.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to each plate.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces well with salt and pepper. Heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked right through—then set it aside on a plate so it stays juicy and ready for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat just a touch, then toss your minced garlic right into the same pan. You’ll only need a minute until your kitchen smells amazing, and the garlic turns fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Pour the rice right into that garlicky goodness and let it toast for 1 to 2 minutes. This step gives the Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken a slightly nutty aroma and helps keep the rice grains perfectly separate after cooking.
Step 4: Simmer in Chicken Broth
Next, stir in your chicken broth and bring everything up to a gentle boil. Once the liquid bubbles, lower the heat, cover your pan, and let it all simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. The rice will become fluffy as it absorbs all the broth—and all the flavor!
Step 5: Add Butter, Parmesan, and Chicken
Uncover the pan and add the butter and grated Parmesan. Then stir in your cooked chicken and let it all meld together. The cheese will melt, the butter will make everything creamy, and your Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken will become irresistibly rich and satisfying.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Scoop it into bowls while it’s warm so everyone can dive right in!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken
Garnishes
A shower of fresh parsley is both classic and vibrant, but feel free to brighten things up further with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a light squeeze of lemon juice. This adds sparkle and a pop of color that makes the dish look as lively as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Thanks to how satisfying Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken is, you won’t need much on the side, but a crisp green salad or simple steamed veggies (like broccoli or peas) are always wonderful companions. Their freshness balances the richness of the main dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a big platter for an easy, comforting feel, or get a little fancy by plating individual portions and topping each with an extra shaving of Parmesan and a flourish of herbs. Leftovers also make adorable rice bowls, perfect for meal prep lunches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Your Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a lifesaver for busy lunches or a second cozy dinner.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish! Spoon chilled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just remember to label the container so you remember what that delicious meal is when you discover it later!
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the rice before warming it up gently on the stove or in the microwave. This brings back the creaminess and keeps everything from drying out. Stir occasionally for even heating, especially if reheating from frozen.
FAQs
Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the liquid and extend the cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook. The nutty flavor pairs nicely with the parmesan and garlic!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free chicken broth. Always check labels on any store-bought ingredients if you’re sensitive to gluten to ensure safety.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Stir in shredded rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken at the end, just before adding the butter and parmesan, to heat it through and soak up all those flavors.
How can I make this creamier?
For an extra creamy version of Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese when you add the butter and parmesan—it’s wonderfully decadent.
What vegetables go well in this rice?
Spinach, broccoli, peas, and even diced bell peppers all taste fantastic in this dish. Just add them in after the rice has simmered so they retain a bit of color and crispness.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken a try soon. It’s cozy, full of flavor, and destined to earn a spot among your favorite comfort-food meals. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds—this is one of those dishes that turns a simple dinner into a happy family memory. Enjoy!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This flavorful Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken is a satisfying one-pan meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Creamy and savory, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Rice: Stir in the rice and toast for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Cook Rice: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender.
- Finish Dish: Stir in butter, Parmesan cheese, and cooked chicken. Mix well until creamy and heated through. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can add spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli for extra veggies.
- For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
