Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the kind of cozy, one-pan meal that instantly feels like a warm hug after a long day. Imagine juicy, golden chicken nestled in a bed of creamy, garlicky rice, all kissed with nutty Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This recipe comes together quickly yet delivers big-time flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress someone special with minimal fuss. If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, this is absolutely the dish to try!

Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice transforms into something truly satisfying. Each item plays a starring role, contributing to the flavor, texture, or color that makes this dish so irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Chicken breasts: Halved horizontally for quicker, more even cooking and maximum juiciness.
Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs that instantly boosts flavor.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the rice, making every bite pop.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth to the entire dish.
Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection and infuses richness into the rice.
Garlic: Minced fresh for that signature aromatic kick—don’t skimp on this!
Long grain white rice: Toasts up beautifully in the skillet, soaking in all the savory flavors.
Chicken broth: The base of the creamy rice, lending tons of savory depth.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the rice, turning it lusciously creamy and slightly nutty.
Butter: Adds richness and a silky finish to the rice.
Chopped parsley: Sprinkled at the end for a burst of freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and slicing them in half horizontally, which helps them cook faster and more evenly. Sprinkle both sides generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper—this simple step sets the stage for a deeply flavorful Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken and let it sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a golden crust and cooked-through centers. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside; those delicious browned bits in the pan will work wonders for the rice.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Toast the Rice

Lower the heat slightly and melt the butter in the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic, stirring until fragrant—about one minute. Now, add the uncooked rice and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes, letting it pick up a hint of color and all that garlicky goodness.

Step 4: Simmer the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Give it a quick stir, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. The rice should soften beautifully and absorb nearly all the liquid, becoming creamy and flavorful.

Step 5: Add the Parmesan

Uncover the skillet and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as the rice transforms into a creamy, cheesy wonderland—the signature move in Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice. If you like, sneak in a splash of cream for extra decadence.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces gently into the rice. Cover and heat for another 2 to 3 minutes so everything melds together. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for fresh flavor and a gorgeous green accent. Serve warm and get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is the classic finishing touch, offering a fresh pop of color and a subtle brightness. For an extra layer of flavor, you might also grate a bit more Parmesan over the top or even add a few lemon zest curls to lift the flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish stands strong on its own, but you can round things out with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or some buttery garlic bread. The creamy rice pairs particularly well with something bright and tangy, like a simple tomato salad or steamed broccoli.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice family-style in a big, shallow bowl, letting everyone dig in. Or, plate each portion individually with a drizzle of pan juices and a fancy parsley sprig for a restaurant-worthy look. You could even slice the chicken and fan it over the rice for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely and then portion it into freezer-safe containers. The rice may become slightly softer upon thawing, but the flavors will still shine. Freeze for up to 2 months for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the rice, then microwave in 1-minute bursts or warm gently on the stovetop. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and restore that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and even more flavorful, making them a delicious swap in Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative, and substitute olive oil for the butter. The texture will be a bit different, but the dish will still be tasty.

What kind of rice works best?

Long grain white rice gives the best fluffy-yet-creamy texture for Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice. You can use brown rice, but increase the liquid and cooking time.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is ready when it’s golden on the outside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’re unsure, slice into the thickest part to check for doneness.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Peas, spinach, or small broccoli florets can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s big on comfort and even bigger on flavor, Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the answer. It’s so easy, so satisfying, and guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Give it a try and share it with someone you love—you won’t regret it!

Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with creamy, flavorful garlic parmesan rice, creating a comforting one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s easy to prepare on the stovetop, offering a deliciously rich dish that pairs well with a variety of sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

Rice and Sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long grain white rice
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter

Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the halved chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to ensure even flavor throughout the meat.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
Sauté Garlic and Rice: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Then stir in the uncooked rice and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes lightly toasted, enhancing the rice’s nuttiness.
Add Broth and Simmer Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
Stir in Parmesan: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is creamy and well combined, enriching the flavor and texture.
Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the rice. Cover and heat for another 2 to 3 minutes to rewarm the chicken and meld the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh and colorful garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting chicken and garlic parmesan rice meal.

Notes

For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese to the rice before serving.
You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful alternative to chicken breasts.
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables such as broccoli or carrots, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American