If you are craving a comforting, flavorful meal that feels both hearty and elegant, the Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish marries tender chicken pieces with creamy, cheesy rice infused with garlic and Parmesan, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe makes the process simple and satisfying. From the first fragrant bite to the last savory morsel, it’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious.

Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this dish just right is all about using a handful of simple, quality ingredients that each play a starring role in delivering that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Every item you add brings something special to the table.

Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, it adds a subtle richness without overpowering flavors.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they ensure tender, juicy chicken in every bite.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors in the chicken and rice.
Black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice to complement the creamy parmesan.
Italian seasoning: Brings an aromatic blend of herbs that deepen the dish’s savory notes.
Garlic: Minced fresh cloves provide that unmistakable punch of flavor and aroma.
Long grain white rice: Its fluffy texture absorbs the broth beautifully without getting mushy.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with rich, savory depth unlike water could ever achieve.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that adds creamy, nutty, salty goodness.
Butter: Melts into the rice creating a silky, luscious texture.
Heavy cream or milk (optional): Use it to elevate the creaminess of the dish if you prefer a richer bite.
Chopped fresh parsley: Adds vibrant color and a fresh herbal finish as a garnish.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Begin by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. As the skillet warms, add the chicken and cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the chicken is beautifully browned and cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set aside safely. This step locks in juicy flavor and creates a wonderful base for your dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Toast the Rice

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute until it becomes fragrant—this releases those irresistible aromas that make you hungry before the food even hits the plate. Next, stir in the rice, letting it toast gently for 1 to 2 minutes. This toasting develops a slightly nutty flavor and helps the rice cook to fluffy perfection.

Step 3: Simmer Rice with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for about 15 to 18 minutes. The rice will slowly absorb the flavorful broth, becoming tender and perfectly cooked. Resist the temptation to lift the lid too often—it needs this steam to become fluffy and light!

Step 4: Stir in Parmesan, Butter, and Cream

After the rice has absorbed all the broth, it’s time to make it luscious. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter, tossing everything together until the cheese melts and the butter coats the rice evenly. If you prefer an extra creamy texture, gently fold in the heavy cream or milk at this stage. This step transforms simple rice into an indulgent comfort food classic.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Combine

Finally, return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and stir everything together. Allow it to warm through so all the flavors mesh beautifully. Once combined, your Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe is ready to serve and delight everyone at your table.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing touches can make all the difference, and this dish is no exception. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery contrast against the creamy rice and tender chicken. For extra flair, freshly cracked black pepper or a few red pepper flakes also work wonders to elevate the plate visually and in flavor.

Side Dishes

This recipe stands wonderfully on its own as a complete meal, but pairing it with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can bring a lovely freshness and crunch. Light steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans offer vibrant textures and brighten up the plate, rounding out the comfort without overwhelming the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this comforting meal in rustic bowls for casual dinners, or plate it elegantly on ceramic dishes when entertaining guests. For a fun twist, try spooning the Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken into hollowed-out bell peppers or tomatoes for an impressive presentation that also adds natural sweetness and color contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the dish chilled promptly after serving preserves the flavors and texture so you can enjoy it again without losing anything in quality.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, this recipe also freezes well. Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results. Just note that the texture of the rice can be slightly affected, but the flavors remain delicious and comforting.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water, broth, or milk to restore creaminess and prevent the rice from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through to enjoy the dish just as fresh as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice can be a great substitute for a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount since brown rice takes longer and usually requires more broth than white rice.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely. You can omit the Parmesan and butter or replace them with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and vegan butter or olive oil for richness. Using a plant-based milk instead of cream also keeps it creamy without dairy.

Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?

Yes! Using pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply fold it in at the end to warm through, reducing your cooking time and making this a perfect option for busy weeknights.

How spicy is this dish?

The Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe is generally mild and comforting, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a little extra kick if you love some heat.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Of course! Spinach, peas, mushrooms, or even roasted bell peppers are wonderful additions that bring more flavor, color, and nutrition. Add them when sautéing the garlic or mix in near the end so they retain some texture.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a dish that feels both effortless and impressive, and the Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s a beautiful combination of tender chicken, creamy Parmesan-rich rice, and bright garlic infusion that can brighten weeknight dinners or earn you compliments at your next gathering. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon understand why it has become such a personal favorite and a beloved classic in many kitchens.

Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe

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4 from 88 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked to perfection with garlic-infused rice, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of butter and cream. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this gluten-free dish is easy to prepare and reheats well, with optional veggies for added nutrition.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Rice and Broth

1 cup long grain white rice
2 1/4 cups chicken broth

Seasonings and Flavorings

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for creamier texture)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare and cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté garlic and toast rice: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the long grain white rice and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, coating the rice with the flavorful oil and garlic.
Cook the rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Add cheese, butter, and cream: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and well combined. If using, stir in the heavy cream or milk to create a creamier texture.
Combine chicken and finish: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and stir everything until the chicken is well mixed with the cheesy rice and heated through.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top as a garnish and serve the dish warm for a delicious and comforting meal.

Notes

To save time, substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for freshly cooked chicken pieces.
For extra nutrition and flavor, add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms while cooking the rice.
This dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

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