Creamy Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe: Family Favorite

Hearty chicken with garlic parmesan rice brings comfort to every dinner table.

Aromas of roasted poultry and creamy rice will instantly make mouths water.

Weeknight meals need not be complicated or boring.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical on your plate.

Kitchen skills matter less than passion for delicious food.

Cheese and herbs blend perfectly in this straightforward yet impressive dish.

Come cook with me and turn an ordinary evening into a delightful culinary adventure.

Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and versatile protein that serves as the primary component of this delicious meal.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Dried Thyme, Salt, Pepper: A harmonious mixture of spices that adds depth and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential ingredients that provide richness, help with cooking, and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• White Rice: The base grain that creates a delicious and satisfying side dish.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that cooks the rice and infuses it with savory taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that adds creamy texture and rich flavor to the rice.

• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides a robust and aromatic flavor to both the chicken and rice.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that offers a bright and light garnish to the finished dish.

Directions for Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear Chicken

Warm up your oven to a toasty 400°F.

Mix a flavor-packed blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Massage this zesty spice mix all over the chicken breasts, making sure every inch gets some love.

Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven.

Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy.

Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving – this helps keep all those delicious juices locked in.

Step 3: Create Creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and cook until it becomes wonderfully fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Be careful not to brown the garlic.

Toss in the rice and stir for 2 minutes to lightly toast it, which brings out a nutty flavor.

Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes until it’s tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 4: Finish the Rice

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley

Season with salt and pepper to taste, giving the rice an extra flavor boost.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan rice onto serving plates.

Carefully place the golden-brown chicken breasts on top of the rice.

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some extra parsley and Parmesan cheese on top for a final touch of deliciousness.

Quick Tips for Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 75C (165F) for juicy, safe results without overcooking.
• Stir rice occasionally while toasting and cooking to avoid clumping and achieve evenly distributed flavor and texture.
• Crush fresh garlic cloves instead of using pre-minced for more intense, authentic taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Chop parsley right before adding to preserve its vibrant color and maximize its bright, aromatic qualities.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top to create a restaurant-style look that makes the dish more appealing.

Store and Heat Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Store chicken and rice separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure containers are sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Package chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Rice might slightly change texture after freezing.
• Place chicken and rice on microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle few drops of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring rice and checking chicken temperature. Ensure internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Place chicken and rice in oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add splash of broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.

What to Eat with Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Savor Complementary Wine Notes: Choose a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to enhance the garlic and Parmesan flavors, cutting through the richness with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Elevate Side Vegetable Pairing: Roast asparagus or green beans with lemon zest to provide a light, fresh contrast to the savory chicken and creamy rice, adding vibrant green color and nutritional balance.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to introduce tangy notes that complement the herb-seasoned chicken and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Amplify Texture Contrast: Serve warm crusty bread or garlic crostini on the side to soak up the delicious pan juices and add a crunchy element to the soft, creamy rice and tender chicken.

Variations on Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower to create a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the same delicious garlic and Parmesan flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese for potential gluten contamination.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil and replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar savory profile that works for dairy-sensitive individuals.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, basil, or oregano instead of thyme to create unique flavor combinations while keeping the core recipe structure intact.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they reach 75C (165F) internal temperature, which might be slightly longer than chicken breasts.

• Do I need a special type of rice for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice works best. Avoid using quick-cook or instant rice as they might not provide the same texture and flavor absorption.

• What if I don't have an oven-proof skillet?

If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, sear the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer to a baking dish for oven cooking. Make sure the baking dish can withstand high temperatures.

• Is it necessary to toast the rice before cooking?

Toasting rice helps enhance its nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy. It’s recommended but not absolutely essential to the recipe’s success.

What Makes Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice a Favorite

• Create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cooking skills required.
• Minimal dishes and maximum taste, using a single skillet for chicken and easy cleanup.
• Adaptable recipe that welcomes personal touches like extra herbs or different cheese variations.
• Balanced dish with protein-rich chicken and flavorful rice that appeals to both adults and kids.

Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent chicken nestles atop garlic parmesan rice, creating a comfort meal that whispers Italian countryside charm. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each delectable forkful of this irresistible dinner classic.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a robust spice blend by combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a small mixing vessel.
2. Thoroughly massage the aromatic spice mixture across each chicken breast, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Ignite a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat, introducing a drizzle of olive oil to create a sizzling surface.
4. Carefully position the seasoned chicken breasts into the heated skillet, searing for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops.
5. Transfer the skillet directly into a preheated 200C (400F) oven, allowing the chicken to roast for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 75C (165F).
6. Remove the skillet and permit the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
7. Meanwhile, activate a medium saucepan and melt butter over medium heat, introducing finely minced garlic and cooking until fragrant but not browned.
8. Introduce rice to the butter-garlic mixture, gently toasting for 2 minutes to enhance its nutty undertones.
9. Pour chicken broth into the rice, bringing the liquid to a vigorous boil before reducing heat, covering, and simmering for 18-20 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid is completely absorbed.
10. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the rice’s flavor profile.
11. Plate the garlic Parmesan rice as a luxurious base, crowning it with the perfectly roasted chicken breasts.
12. Optional: Embellish with additional parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for visual appeal and enhanced taste.

Notes

• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for extra juiciness and flavor that helps prevent drying out during baking.
• Toast rice briefly in butter before adding liquid to enhance its nutty aroma and prevent clumping, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Use fresh parsley instead of dried to add bright, fresh notes and vibrant color that elevates the overall presentation of the dish.
• Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that maintains the same delicious garlic Parmesan seasoning while reducing calories.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg