Description
Savor this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice, a one-pan skillet meal combining tender, flavorful chicken thighs or breasts with creamy, cheesy rice infused with garlic and Parmesan. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe balances rich buttery flavors with a hint of lemon brightness and optional fresh parsley for garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Rice
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry and season both sides evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to build flavorful layers.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Toast Rice: Stir in the long grain white rice and cook for 2–3 minutes, letting it toast lightly while coating it in the garlic butter for added depth of flavor.
- Simmer Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
- Finish Rice: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet on top of the rice. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the rice to lift up the flavorful browned bits from the skillet.
- You can substitute brown rice for a healthier option, but be sure to increase the cooking time and liquid quantity accordingly.
- Add veggies like spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking the rice for added nutrition and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
