What’s in a name, you ask? With Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice, you’re getting everything comforting and delicious in one skillet! Think tender, juicy chicken nestled in rich, buttery rice infused with garlic and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s simple, savory, and satisfying. This one-pan wonder brings the warmth of home-cooked meals with the elegance of restaurant-worthy flavor. As the saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this recipe is sure to capture hearts and appetites alike. Ready to impress your family or dinner guests? Let’s dive in and make it happen!
Why You’ll Love This
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice:
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Mouthwatering Flavor: The creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce clings perfectly to fluffy rice, with juicy chicken to top it all off. Every bite is packed with comfort.
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Budget-Friendly: Skip the pricey takeout! This dish uses pantry staples, making it an affordable yet indulgent meal.
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A Touch of Elegance: Garlic, butter, and Parmesan elevate this dish to dinner-party status, but it’s still quick enough for busy weeknights. If you’ve tried and loved Creamy Tuscan Chicken or Lemon Herb Butter Chicken, this recipe is your next go-to!
Get ready for a no-fuss, full-flavor experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Make Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Quick Overview
This creamy chicken and rice dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights when time is short but cravings are big. The simple one-pan method keeps cleanup minimal while delivering maximum flavor!
Ingredients List
To create this dish, you’ll need:
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1 pound chicken tenders
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 stick unsalted butter
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cup water
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1 cup uncooked white rice
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3–5 cloves minced garlic
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Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Chicken: Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden on both sides and fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
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Add Butter and Garlic: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
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Cook the Rice: Stir in the water and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
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Finish with Cheese: Once the rice is cooked, stir in a generous amount of grated Parmesan. Return the chicken to the skillet and warm through. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
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Serve: Plate the chicken over the creamy rice and serve hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if you like a pop of green.
What to Serve Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice With
Pair this hearty dish with simple yet flavorful sides to create a well-balanced meal:
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A crisp green salad with vinaigrette for freshness
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Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
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Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce
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A refreshing beverage like iced lemon water or a chilled glass of white wine
Whether you’re serving guests or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these pairings will round out your meal beautifully.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Dish
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Substitutions: Out of chicken tenders? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Want a vegetarian option? Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
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Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bit of zing.
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Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your rice—don’t lift the lid too early while it simmers, and stir in the cheese off heat to prevent it from becoming grainy.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? Lucky you!
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
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Freeze: Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Microwave gently or warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid overheating to prevent the rice from drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook the rice and chicken in advance, then combine and reheat just before serving.
Can I use brown rice or quinoa?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. Brown rice, for instance, takes longer and needs more water.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your packaged items to be sure.
Conclusion
Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the kind of meal that makes weeknight dinners feel special. With minimal prep and all the comforting flavors you love, it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking for one, this dish delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. So grab your skillet and let the magic begin!
Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken tenders
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 stick Unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Uncooked white rice
- 3-5 cloves Minced garlic
- Grated Parmesan cheese to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden on both sides and fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the water and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in a generous amount of grated Parmesan. Return the chicken to the skillet and warm through. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
- Plate the chicken over the creamy rice and serve hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if you like a pop of green.