If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and utterly satisfying meal, this Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken thighs seared to golden perfection meet a creamy, garlicky parmesan rice that is bursting with richness and warmth in every bite. This dish balances simple pantry staples with bold tastes and luscious textures, making it a weeknight winner for family meals or a cozy dinner for friends. The ease of one-pan cooking combined with the irresistible blend of garlic, cheese, and tender chicken makes it a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to, time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe lies in how straightforward yet essential each ingredient is. From tender chicken thighs to fragrant garlic and rich Parmesan, every component plays a part in building up layers of taste, texture, and color you’ll love on your plate.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juicier meat, or breasts for leaner protein options.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and a warm hue to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory appeal, complementing the fresh garlic in the rice.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken and providing a silky base.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Split between cooking the chicken and enriching the rice.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the rice with its fragrant, slightly sweet flavor.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: Absorbs the broth beautifully while staying tender and fluffy.
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps cook the rice perfectly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a creamy, nutty finish that makes the dish irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional): For added richness and smooth texture in the rice.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish): Offers a fresh, herbaceous contrast and vibrant color on top.
How to Make Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken dry and seasoning both sides generously with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heating the olive oil along with one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat creates a perfect searing environment. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until it forms a beautiful golden crust and is cooked through. This step locks in flavors and juices—don’t rush it. Once cooked, set the chicken aside while you work on the rice, as they combine beautifully in the final stage.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Toast Rice
Using the same skillet, add the remaining butter and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic releases its irresistible aroma without browning, which would make it bitter. Stir in the long grain rice, letting it toast gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Toasting the rice adds a subtle nuttiness and prevents it from being mushy later, setting the foundation for that perfect texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Simmer the Rice in Chicken Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom to lift all those tasty browned bits left from the chicken. Bring this mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the rice cook gently for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the flavorful liquid. This step transforms simple ingredients into a rich, savory rice base that complements the chicken beautifully.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Heavy Cream
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for that classic cheesy goodness. If you’re aiming for an even creamier experience, gently fold in the heavy cream. These ingredients meld into the rice, creating a luscious, velvety texture that lifts this dish from everyday to extraordinary.
Step 5: Combine and Warm Through
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling each piece atop the creamy parmesan rice. Allow everything to warm together for a couple of minutes so the flavors marry and the chicken snaps right back to hot, juicy perfection. This harmonious union is where the magic of this Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe truly shines.
How to Serve Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of bright green that contrasts beautifully with the golden chicken and creamy rice. It also lends a fresh, herby note that balances the richness while making the dish pop visually. Feel free to add a light dusting of extra Parmesan if you’re a cheese lover.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli adds wonderful texture and nutrition. Alternatively, roasted cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst of acidity that complements the creamy rice and savory chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the chicken over a bed of the Parmesan rice on individual plates, garnishing each with a parsley sprig. For casual family dinners, a big skillet straight to the table creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. You can also finish with a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunch or dinner options later in the week.
Freezing
This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe freezes well. Portion the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them up, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the rice’s moisture. Cover the pan to allow even heating. Alternatively, microwave with a damp paper towel over the dish to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken works beautifully but will require longer cooking time to ensure it is cooked through. Just monitor the internal temperature and adjust as needed.
Is heavy cream necessary for this recipe?
No, heavy cream is optional and used to make the rice extra creamy. The dish is delicious even without it, but the cream adds a luxurious texture that many enjoy.
Can I substitute the rice with another grain?
While this recipe is designed for long grain white rice, you can experiment with other grains like jasmine or basmati rice. Keep in mind cooking times and liquid ratios may vary.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
For crispier chicken, you can finish it under the broiler for a few minutes after cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning, or give it a quick sear in a hot skillet just before serving.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just be sure your chicken broth is gluten-free and avoid any seasoning blends that may contain gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, easy enough for busy nights but impressive enough to share with guests. Its combination of juicy chicken and creamy, flavorful rice is simply unbeatable. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight go-to!
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Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs seared to perfection and served atop creamy garlic Parmesan rice. This easy stovetop recipe combines the savory notes of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese with perfectly cooked long-grain rice, making it a satisfying dinner option for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
Rice and sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry and season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to your taste.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Toast the rice: Add the rice to the skillet and stir for 2–3 minutes to toast lightly and coat with the butter and garlic mixture.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the rice: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream if using, mixing well to create a creamy texture.
- Reheat chicken: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice, and warm through for a few minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh herbaceous touch and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash more heavy cream or top the dish with shredded mozzarella cheese before serving.
- This recipe also works well with bone-in chicken; just increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth as an alternative flavor base, but it will alter the taste slightly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
