Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe
If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and satisfies every time, this Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. Bursting with savory garlic, melted Parmesan, and tender chicken nestled in fluffy, perfectly cooked rice, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe is a deliciously simple way to elevate humble ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you; these ingredients pack a wonderful punch. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, while also contributing to the creamy texture and appealing appearance of the dish.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut; both work beautifully and keep the chicken juicy and tender.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the chicken, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds a silky smooth base when cooking the garlic and rice.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): The star aromatic that fills the kitchen with irresistible fragrance.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: Perfect for soaking up all the garlicky, cheesy goodness.
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth: Imparts deep savory flavor and cooks the rice to tender perfection.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Creates a creamy, nutty finish that ties everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs providing subtle herbal notes without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to the finished dish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a nice golden brown crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful for the later step.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Toast the Rice
Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet, allowing it to soak up any leftover chicken flavor. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until you can smell that warm, tantalizing aroma. Then stir in the long grain rice, letting it toast lightly for another 1 to 2 minutes. This toasting step helps to deepen the flavor and slightly enhance the rice’s texture.
Step 3: Simmer the Rice
Pour in the chicken broth along with the Italian seasoning, and give it all a good stir. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the flavorful liquid. This slow cooking ensures each grain swells up beautifully and tastes infused with garlic and herbs.
Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Chicken
Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This creates a creamy, cheesy coating that clings to every grain. Then, return the cooked chicken to the pan and combine everything thoroughly. Give it a taste, and adjust with salt and black pepper if needed—for that perfect final seasoning boost.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh, vibrant touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. Not only does the green pop beautifully against the creamy rice, but it also lends a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a twist of lemon zest can also lift the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe pairs fabulously with crisp, roasted vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette complements the creamy texture and keeps the meal light and balanced. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread for carb lovers who want an extra indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the dish in individual ramekins or shallow bowls topped with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and parsley. If you love the idea of blending flavors, add some sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the rice mixture. These little twists can easily change up the presentation and keep this recipe exciting whenever you make it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen even more by the next day, making it a delicious option for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, freeze the dish in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Remember to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water, broth, or cream to restore moisture and creaminess. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and bring back that freshly cooked taste.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust broth quantity and cooking time accordingly to ensure the rice is tender without drying out the chicken or burning the bottom.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The Parmesan and garlic flavors will still make it incredibly delicious.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Definitely, this recipe is perfect for using leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken. Just add the chicken in step 4 to warm through rather than cooking it from raw, which cuts down cooking time even further.
How can I make the dish creamier?
For an extra creamy touch, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese right after adding the Parmesan cheese. This will give the rice an even richer texture without overpowering the garlic and cheese flavors.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can easily substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme, or even a simple sprinkle of dried parsley. The goal is to add a bit of herbal warmth, so customize it based on what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both indulgent and comforting while being incredibly easy to make. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you want to impress friends with minimal effort, the combo of tender chicken, creamy rice, and garlicky Parmesan flavor is unbeatable. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a beloved staple in your meal rotation!
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Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal combining tender bite-sized chicken pieces sautéed to perfection with aromatic garlic, creamy Parmesan cheese, and perfectly cooked white rice. This American-inspired dish is quick to prepare on the stovetop, making it an ideal easy weeknight dinner that delivers rich, savory flavors and a satisfying creamy texture in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Rice and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and toast rice: Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Stir in the white rice and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly toast the rice and coat it in the butter and garlic mixture.
- Simmer the rice: Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Add cheese and chicken: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the rice becomes creamy. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan and mix everything together evenly.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the garlic Parmesan rice with chicken warm for a hearty, delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese when adding the Parmesan cheese.
- This recipe works well with leftover rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken to save time.
- Fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you wish to control salt intake.
- You can substitute long grain white rice with jasmine rice for a subtly different aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
