Name: Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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If there’s one dish that never fails to delight both kids and adults at my table, it’s Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice. Think tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts nestled atop a dreamy bed of creamy, garlicky parmesan rice. This recipe is a one-pan wonder that brings together the comforting flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian spices for a meal that feels gourmet but comes together with minimal fuss. The best part? From busy weeknights to last-minute dinner guests, Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is always met with happy sighs and clean plates!

Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of staple ingredients, this recipe proves that flavor doesn’t need to be complicated. Each component adds something special, whether it’s richness, a punch of savory taste, or a touch of color and freshness. Simple, essential, and absolutely crave-worthy!

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are juicy and perfect for soaking up all those savory seasonings.
Olive oil: Gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust and adds heart-healthy richness.
Butter: Adds silkiness and helps toasting the rice while infusing the dish with flavor.
Garlic: Fresh cloves deliver that unbeatable garlicky aroma and taste, essential for the foundation of the rice.
Long-grain white rice: Rinsed to remove excess starch, it turns out fluffy yet creamy when cooked.
Chicken broth: Deepens the flavor and provides the perfect base for simmering the rice.
Heavy cream: For that irresistibly creamy finish that makes every bite feel indulgent.
Italian seasoning: The perfect blend of herbs to add an Italian-inspired twist.
Paprika: A touch of gentle warmth and color for both flavor and presentation.
Salt: Enhances every flavor in the pan; season to taste!
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of kick.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the rice for a rich, savory, cheesy finish—use the real stuff for the best result.
Chopped fresh parsley: The bright, fresh pop that ties the whole dish together as a garnish.

How to Make Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry and generously seasoning both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. This simple mix makes such a difference, infusing the chicken with flavor from the very first step.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add the chicken. Cook each side for 5 to 6 minutes until you get a golden, crisp crust and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Set the chicken aside for now, keeping all those tasty browned bits in the pan!

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Toast the Rice

Lower the heat slightly and melt the butter right in the same pan. Add the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for about a minute until it smells mouthwateringly fragrant. Then stir in the rinsed rice and toast it for about 2 minutes. This step lets the rice soak up the garlicky butter, building big flavor from the start.

Step 4: Simmer the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth, using a spoon to loosen any bits stuck to the skillet. This adds even more depth to the rice! Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer. After about 18 to 20 minutes, the rice will be perfectly tender and have absorbed nearly all the liquid.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Parmesan

Take the lid off and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The rice will turn creamy, cheesy, and impossibly comforting. Give it a gentle stir until everything is well combined and luscious.

Step 6: Return the Chicken

Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, letting them soak up a bit of that creamy garlic Parmesan rice. Spoon some extra rice over the chicken if you like. Just before serving, garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley for extra color and a bright, herby finish.

How to Serve Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley goes a long way, adding freshness and a pop of color. If you feel fancy, add a few grinds of black pepper, a pinch more Parmesan, or even a scattering of thinly sliced green onions to complement the Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice.

Side Dishes

This dish is a superstar on its own, but it loves good company! Try a bright, tangy salad with lemony vinaigrette or simple roasted green beans. Garlic bread is another favorite—perfect for scooping up every last bit of that creamy rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice family-style in the skillet for a rustic, homey feel. For a dinner party, slice the chicken before plating and fan it across a mound of rice for a restaurant-worthy presentation. A sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers can really add a wow factor for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. The flavors will mellow and meld even more, making Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice an even cozier lunch or dinner the next day. It keeps well for about 3 days.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze portions for an easy future meal. Just know that the cream may separate a bit on thawing. To prevent this, cool completely before packaging, and use freezer-safe containers. Try to eat within 1 to 2 months for best taste.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the rice. The microwave works in a pinch—cover the dish and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully here and add even more juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time—they may need a minute or two longer than breasts to cook through.

Is it possible to use brown rice instead of white?

Brown rice can be used, but it will require more liquid and a longer simmer, usually around 40 minutes. The result is slightly nuttier and chewier, but still delicious.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’d like to lighten it up, try using half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still give a creamy consistency. Dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream can also work, but will change the flavor profile.

Is it okay to make Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice ahead of time?

Yes! This dish reheats very well, so you can prepare everything a day in advance and gently rewarm before serving. Just hold off garnishing with parsley until serving time for the freshest look.

Can I add vegetables to the rice?

Absolutely. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peas, or even roasted red peppers all make great additions. Fold them in when you add the cream and Parmesan for a hearty one-pan meal with a pop of color and nutrients.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, satisfying meal that’ll make you feel like a kitchen rockstar, Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is calling your name! There’s something magical about the way creamy, cheesy rice and juicy, seared chicken come together in one pan. Give this recipe a try, and get ready for smiles all around your table!

Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe is a comforting and creamy one-pan meal that combines juicy chicken breasts with flavorful garlic parmesan rice. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

2 tablespoons butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice: In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in rice and toast for 2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender.
Finish the Dish: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon rice around it. Garnish with parsley before serving.