Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice: A Comforting Skillet Classic
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s simple to make yet packed with flavor, then Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice is the answer. This dish brings together golden-seared chicken tenders served over a creamy, garlicky parmesan rice that’s both rich and satisfying. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or whenever you need a comforting meal in a pinch.
The combination of perfectly cooked chicken, creamy rice, and bold garlic and parmesan flavors is pure comfort food at its finest. Plus, it’s quick to make and easy to clean up, which means more time enjoying the meal and less time in the kitchen!
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
1 lb chicken tenders (about 6-8 pieces)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
2 cups chicken broth (or water)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream (for extra richness)
1 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
✨ Why You’ll Love This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice
Here’s why this dish is bound to become a regular in your meal rotation:
Flavorful and Comforting: The garlic and parmesan-infused rice paired with perfectly seared chicken creates a meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. It’s rich, creamy, and satisfying.
One-Pan Meal: This recipe is made in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. The chicken and rice cook together, soaking up all the delicious flavors as they simmer.
Quick and Easy: This dish takes less than 40 minutes to prepare, making it a great option for busy evenings when you want something hearty but don’t have a lot of time.
Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and cheesy flavors make this dish a hit with kids. They’ll love the mild flavors and tender chicken, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the recipe to your tastes—add veggies, switch up the cheese, or add extra spices to suit your preferences.
🔥 How to Make Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ready to dive into this delicious, one-pan wonder? Follow these simple steps to make Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice:
1. Cook the Chicken Tenders
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken tenders to the pan. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden-brown and cooked through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest while you prepare the rice. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the chicken stays moist.
2. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook it for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic can cook quickly!
Next, add the rice to the skillet and stir it to coat the rice in the garlic-infused oil. This step helps the rice absorb all the delicious flavors right from the start.
Add the chicken broth (or water) and bring it to a simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Make the Rice Creamy
Once the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and butter. The cream adds richness and helps make the rice extra creamy, while the butter adds a silky finish. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the rice and create a cheesy, garlicky sauce that coats every grain.
Taste the rice and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat) to taste. If the rice is a little too thick for your liking, you can add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Combine the Chicken and Rice
Now, slice the cooked chicken tenders into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken back into the skillet and stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the creamy garlic parmesan rice.
Let everything simmer together for a few minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the flavors to meld. The rice should be creamy and packed with flavor, and the chicken should be tender and juicy.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve the Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice directly from the skillet, or transfer it to serving plates. It’s perfect on its own, or you can serve it alongside a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or some garlic bread for a full meal.
🧑🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice
Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded. Fresh cheese will melt more smoothly and create a creamier texture in the rice.
Add Veggies: You can easily make this dish more balanced by adding vegetables. Sauté some spinach, peas, or broccoli with the garlic, or stir in roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes toward the end of the cooking process.
Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, swap the chicken tenders for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’ll stay juicier and more tender, adding even more flavor to the dish.
Herbs and Spices: Add extra herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to elevate the dish. A pinch of Italian seasoning or dried oregano would also pair perfectly with the garlic and parmesan flavors.
Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or chili powder into the rice as it cooks, or add a few slices of jalapeño when cooking the chicken.
🍽️ What to Serve with Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can pair it with other sides to round out the meal. Here are some suggestions:
Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread is always a good idea to soak up the creamy, cheesy rice. The crunchy, buttery bread complements the softness of the rice and chicken perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus add a light, fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken and rice.
Simple Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette would provide a fresh, crisp side to balance out the creamy rice.
Sauteed Spinach or Kale: For a nutrient-packed side, sauté spinach or kale with a bit of olive oil and garlic. It’s quick, healthy, and complements the dish beautifully.
Steamed Green Beans: A side of steamed green beans would add a nice crunch and make the meal feel even more wholesome.
🎉 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice
Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish hits all the right notes—rich, creamy, garlicky, and cheesy—making it the ultimate comfort food for any time of year.
Simple & Quick: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
One-Pan Wonder: The fact that this dish is made in one skillet means minimal cleanup, which is always a bonus!
Family-Friendly: The mild flavors and tender chicken make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Customizable: You can easily make it your own by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices based on your preferences.
Conclusion
Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice is the ultimate comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With golden-seared chicken, creamy parmesan rice, and the bold flavor of garlic, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
So next time you’re looking for a quick, hearty meal, give this easy skillet recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed! Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or craving something comforting, this dish will definitely hit the spot.