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