Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice

 

Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice: A Rich and Creamy One-Pan Dinner

Introduction:

Looking for a hearty, flavorful dinner that comes together with minimal effort but maximum taste? This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the ultimate comfort food — crispy, juicy chicken tenders served over creamy, garlicky rice laced with parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of dish that looks and tastes like a gourmet meal but is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a casual dinner party, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish checks all the boxes: high protein, comforting carbs, and irresistible cheesy flavor — all ready in under 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy — just pantry staples like rice, garlic, butter, and parmesan.
• One-Pan Friendly: Cook the chicken in the same skillet that you’ll use for the rice — fewer dishes, more flavor.
• Kid-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy rice and crispy chicken is a combo the whole family will devour.
• Customizable: Add spinach, mushrooms, or peas to the rice for extra nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 stick (½ cup or 113g) unsalted butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup uncooked white rice (basmati or long-grain works best)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you love garlic!)
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• Optional: fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the stick of butter and let it melt completely.
3. While the butter melts, season your chicken tenders generously with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken into the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t clean the skillet — you want those browned bits for flavor!

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Rice

1. In the same skillet, add a little more butter or oil if needed.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
3. Pour in 2 cups of water or chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add the rice, stir once, then lower the heat and cover.
5. Let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, placing it over the rice.
2. Spoon some of the creamy rice over the chicken or keep it neat for presentation.
3. Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.

Pro Tips:

• Want even more creaminess? Add a splash of heavy cream to the rice before adding the cheese.
• For extra crisp chicken, coat tenders in flour before frying.
• No parmesan? Try grated Romano or Asiago for a flavor twist.

Nutrition (per serving – makes about 4 servings):

• Calories: ~650
• Protein: ~40g
• Fat: ~38g
• Carbs: ~35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Calcium: 15% DV

Total Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total: 35–40 minutes

Final Thoughts:

This dish isn’t just a recipe — it’s a warm, comforting experience in every bite. The buttery chicken paired with the rich, cheesy garlic rice is sure to become a go-to favorite in your dinner rotation.  Olive Garden Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken

Looking for more easy, one-pan dinners? Check out our recipe collection for more family-friendly meals that don’t compromise on taste.