If you are looking for a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together with ease, this Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. It beautifully combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with fragrant garlic-infused rice enriched with creamy Parmesan cheese. The harmony of bold spices and rich textures makes each bite utterly satisfying, turning a simple stovetop meal into something truly special that your whole family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and ensuring the perfect balance between the juicy chicken and creamy rice. The simplicity of these pantry staples allows the natural flavors to shine while making preparation easy and quick.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The main protein, best for lean, juicy bites.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and warm color to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlicky aroma complementing the rice perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and amplifying all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle heat to balance the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to a beautiful golden brown.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds an irresistible pungent aroma to the rice.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The fluffy base soaking up all the tasty broth and cheese.
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with rich savory flavor.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a creamy, salty finish to the rice.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and a lovely richness to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the plate.
How to Make Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple spice mix ensures your chicken is flavorful and well-seasoned. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your chicken. Sear the breasts for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until they are beautifully golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest while you prepare the rice.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Toast the Rice
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it briefly for about 30 seconds, just until you notice its aroma filling the kitchen. This step is crucial for unlocking a base layer of flavor. Next, stir in the long-grain rice to toast it lightly for 1 to 2 minutes. This gentle toasting enhances the rice’s nuttiness and prevents it from becoming mushy later on.
Step 3: Cook the Rice in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow it to cook for about 15 to 18 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the flavorful broth and become tender. Patience here pays off — resist the temptation to lift the lid!
Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Butter
Once your rice is perfectly cooked and the broth absorbed, turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter. This step creates a luscious, creamy texture that complements the savory notes of garlic and broth, making the rice irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Rice
Gently nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, placing them atop the creamy rice. Cover the skillet again and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in each bite bursting with richness and warmth. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to add a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness before serving.
How to Serve Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a few shavings of Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish from delicious to downright stunning. Adding these finishing touches not only adds eye-appeal but also enhances the overall flavor profile with bursts of freshness and savory notes.
Side Dishes
This dish shines wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamy roasted vegetables balances the richness and adds a healthy crunch. Lightly steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans bring in fresh, vibrant flavors that complement the creamy rice and succulent chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this chicken with garlic Parmesan rice recipe in individual shallow bowls, layering the rice first and fanning slices of chicken on top. Garnish with a lemon wedge for a zesty kick that cuts through the richness. Alternatively, serve it family-style on a large platter with extra parsley scattered generously for a warm, inviting presentation everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, store your leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken juicy and the rice flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes well for busy days ahead. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure the chicken and rice are fully cooled before freezing to maintain the best texture when reheated.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to restore some moisture to the rice, ensuring it remains creamy and comforting rather than dry.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will bring a juicier, slightly more flavorful result to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses plain rice, chicken, and seasonings without any gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I add vegetables to the rice?
Definitely! Adding peas, diced carrots, or chopped spinach toward the end of the rice cooking time is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients and color.
What can I do to make the rice creamier?
For an even richer texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese along with the Parmesan at the end of cooking. This adds a lovely silkiness to the rice.
Is it possible to make this recipe in one pan?
Yes, the recipe is designed as a one-pan wonder: the chicken sears in the skillet, and the rice cooks right there with the broth and cheese, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight meals because it checks all the boxes: easy, flavorful, and comforting all at once. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a delicious, fuss-free dinner that feels special every single time. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe offers a flavorful, one-pan meal featuring tender seared chicken breasts nestled over savory garlic-infused Parmesan rice. Perfect for an easy yet impressive dinner, this dish combines simple seasoning, aromatic garlic, and creamy Parmesan cheese to create a comforting American classic that’s both gluten-free and satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Rice and Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to build a flavorful crust.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until aromatic but not browned, enhancing the rice’s flavor.
- Toast the rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes in the skillet, coating it with the garlic and residual oils to develop a nutty taste.
- Cook the rice: Pour in the chicken broth, stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish the rice: Turn off the heat and stir the grated Parmesan cheese and butter into the rice, creating a creamy and rich texture.
- Combine chicken and rice: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice. Cover and let the dish rest for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken stays warm.
- Garnish and serve: If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a fresh color and mild herbal note.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat.
- For a subtle spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- To achieve creamier rice, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the Parmesan cheese.
