If you’re searching for a meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, this Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender, golden seared chicken tenders nestled over a bed of creamy, garlicky Parmesan-infused rice—all cooked in one skillet for maximum flavor and minimum fuss. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate yet elegant enough to impress family and friends any night of the week. The layers of garlic, tangy Parmesan, and just a hint of heat from red pepper flakes make this recipe truly unforgettable. Once you try this Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe, it may just become one of your go-to meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating those rich and satisfying flavors. Every element, from the olive oil that sears the chicken to the creamy Parmesan that brings it all together, is essential for bringing this dish to life.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden brown crust while keeping it juicy inside.
- ½ cup butter (1 stick): Adds richness and depth, especially when melted with garlic for that luscious sauce.
- 1 pound chicken tenders: Tender and quick-cooking, ideal for this one-pan meal.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: A subtle boost to layer in extra garlicky goodness on the chicken.
- 2 tbsp minced garlic: Brings an irresistible fresh garlic flavor directly into the rice.
- 1 tsp salt, divided: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes: A gentle kick of heat to balance the creamy cheese and buttery notes.
- 1½ cups white rice (uncooked): Absorbs all those wonderful flavors while staying fluffy.
- ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio): Adds acidity and complexity during cooking.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded): Melts right into the rice, creating a savory, creamy finish.
- 3 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that cooks the rice perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning especially the chicken and finishing touches.
How to Make Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by warming olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken tenders generously with garlic powder, half the salt, and some freshly ground pepper. Sear them until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are cooked through—this locks in juiciness and flavor. Once done, set the chicken aside; it will finish cooking nestled back in the rice later.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt slowly. Toss in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and the remaining salt. Sauté gently until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned—that’s where all the magic is. Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for about five minutes to reduce slightly, creating a sauce bursting with aromatic layers. Reserve a bit of this sauce for drizzling later.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Now add the white rice directly into the skillet, stirring it so the grains get coated with that luscious garlic butter sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything up to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and cover, simmering until the rice softens perfectly and soaks up all those flavors—this should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure not to stir too much so the rice stays fluffy.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Chicken
Once the rice is tender, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly on top, letting it melt into a creamy layer. Arrange the chicken tenders back over the rice, cover the skillet, and let everything rest off the heat for a few minutes. This step allows the flavors to marry beautifully and the cheese to meld with the rice, making each bite decadently rich.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Finally, drizzle the reserved garlic butter wine sauce over the chicken for an extra punch of flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve everything hot and ready to enjoy. This final touch ties the entire dish together, adding brightness and moisture that keep the chicken juicy and the rice indulgently creamy.
How to Serve Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can brighten the dish and add a fresh note. A wedge of lemon on the side also works wonders, cutting through the richness with a zesty contrast that elevates each bite.
Side Dishes
Since this Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe is a hearty dish on its own, lighter sides like a crisp green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted cherry tomatoes balance it perfectly. These add a refreshing crunch and a pop of color, making your meal feel complete and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the chicken and rice in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of the garlic butter sauce artfully swooshed around. You can also plate the rice first, then slice the chicken tenders and fan them over the top, garnished with fresh herbs and Parmesan shavings for a restaurant-worthy look at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice may firm up, but gently reheating helps it regain a creamy texture. Be sure to store the chicken and rice together for the best flavor fusion.
Freezing
This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe freezes well if you want to save portions for later. Use freezer-safe containers, and keep it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results and to preserve the dish’s texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Cover the dish while warming to help the Parmesan rice regain its creamy consistency and ensure the chicken stays tender.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice in this Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe?
Brown rice can be substituted but will require a longer cooking time and more liquid, so adjust accordingly. The flavor will be nuttier, which can be delicious, but the texture will be heartier than the traditional white rice.
What type of white wine is best for cooking this dish?
A dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is ideal. It adds acidity and complexity without sweetness, perfectly complementing the garlic butter and Parmesan flavors.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, chicken breasts can work, but slice them into strips for quicker and more even cooking. Keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying out the chicken.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that’s subtle and balanced by the creamy cheese and butter. You can adjust the amount or omit it if you prefer no spice at all.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free spread, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit the Parmesan entirely. The garlic and wine still provide plenty of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe truly feels like a labor of love that comes together with ease and delivers comfort on a plate. It’s a dish to share, savor, and return to again and again because it satisfies in every way. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, give it a try—you’ll soon see why it holds such a special place in any home cook’s repertoire.
Print
Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken tenders seared to perfection and served over creamy garlic Parmesan rice, infused with white wine and fragrant garlic. This easy one-pan recipe combines simple ingredients for a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
Rice and Sauce
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 ½ cups white rice (uncooked)
- ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear Chicken. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken tenders with garlic powder, half of the salt, and freshly ground pepper. Sear the chicken in the hot oil until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Build Sauce. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and the remaining salt. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the dry white wine and let the mixture cook down for about 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and flavors to concentrate. Reserve a portion of this sauce for drizzling later.
- Cook the Rice. Add the uncooked white rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the butter, garlic, and wine mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, approximately 15-18 minutes.
- Combine and Rest. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the rice. Arrange the seared chicken tenders on top of the rice. Cover the skillet and let everything rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the chicken to warm through.
- Serve. Drizzle the reserved garlic-wine sauce over the chicken and rice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve the dish hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use good quality dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio for the best flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute half the chicken broth with heavy cream, but that will alter the nutritional profile.
- Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming gummy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
