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
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
