Print

Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Are you craving a meal that’s rich in flavor but simple to make? Look no further than Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice. This one-pan dish combines succulent chicken tenders with creamy, cheesy rice infused with garlic and Parmesan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it also delivers a restaurant-quality meal right at your dining table. So, let’s explore why this dish is set to become your go-to dinner option!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter
  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp salt, divided
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 ½ cups white rice (uncooked)
  • ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

First things first, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil heats up, season the chicken tenders with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and sear until browned and fully cooked—about 4-6 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step locks in the flavor and ensures that your chicken remains juicy.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, don’t waste those delicious brown bits! Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and ½ tsp salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Oh, the aroma! Now, increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the white wine. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. This deglazes the pan and creates a rich, flavorful sauce. Reserve about 3 tbsp of this sauce for later.

3. Cook the Rice

Now, it’s time for the rice to take a flavor bath. Add the uncooked rice to the remaining butter sauce in the skillet. Stir it around to coat the rice evenly. Pour in the chicken broth and season with the remaining ½ tsp of salt. Bring this mixture to a low boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is tender and has absorbed all those delightful flavors.

4. Add Parmesan and Chicken

Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the cooked rice. Now, return the chicken tenders to the skillet, nestling them into the rice. Cover the skillet and remove it from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. This step not only melts the cheese but also gives the chicken a chance to soak up the garlicky goodness.

5. Serve

Before serving, drizzle the reserved pan sauce over the chicken for an extra punch of flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like, and voila! You’ve got yourself a scrumptious meal that’s sure to please.

Notes

  • White Wine Substitute: If you’re not into cooking with wine, simply swap it out for an equal amount of chicken broth.
  • Rice Variations: Feel free to use other types of rice like jasmine or basmati. Just adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
  • Add Veggies: For a more balanced meal, toss in some veggies like spinach or broccoli during the last 10 minutes of cooking the rice.
  • Cheese Options: Parmesan is classic, but feel free to mix it up with Romano or Asiago for a different flavor twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy garlic rice with chicken, One-pan chicken and rice, Garlic butter chicken recipe, Easy Parmesan rice