If you are craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious one-pot meal, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to dish. It perfectly blends tender pieces of seasoned chicken with fragrant garlic, rich parmesan cheese, and fluffy rice all soaked in a luxurious, velvety sauce. From the moment you take your first bite, you’ll appreciate how simple ingredients come together to create such an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures that’s sure to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that each add unique flavor, texture, or color to the dish, making it as tasty as it is straightforward to prepare. Trust me, these staples are all you need for that cozy meal everyone will ask for again and again.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky flavor and a touch of warm color to the chicken.
- Garlic salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for infusing savory garlic flavor throughout the dish.
- Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Offers just the right hint of spice and depth.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Provides richness and a silky base for sautéing.
- Large yellow onion (1, finely diced): Adds natural sweetness and soft texture when cooked.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the garlic flavor that’s key to this recipe.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice (1 ½ cups): The heart of the dish, soaking up all those luscious flavors.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): Adds moisture and savory depth to cook the rice perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated, plus extra): Brings that nutty, creamy punch and melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Heavy whipping cream (½ cup): For that unbeatable creamy texture that makes this dish special.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A pop of green freshness to brighten up the final presentation.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by coating your chicken pieces evenly with paprika, garlic salt, and black pepper. This seasoning is the secret to that bold, comforting flavor that carries through every bite of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe. Set it aside while you get other ingredients ready.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Cook the Onion
In a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook it gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, releasing a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the garlicky chicken.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Next, add the seasoned chicken pieces into the pot with the softened onions. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the pieces turn a lovely golden color on all sides. Keep in mind the chicken won’t be fully cooked just yet—that will happen later with the rice.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Cook Briefly
Once the chicken is browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This step intensifies the garlic aroma without burning it, giving your dish that authentic depth of flavor.
Step 5: Stir in Rice and Chicken Broth
Pour in the uncooked rice along with the chicken broth, stirring everything together to combine thoroughly. This is the moment where the rice begins to soak up all the savory goodness, setting the stage for a perfectly creamy dish.
Step 6: Simmer Until Rice is Tender
Bring the mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot tightly and let it simmer, undisturbed, for 15 to 20 minutes. The rice will absorb all the liquid while cooking to tender perfection. If after 20 minutes some liquid remains, cook covered for another 3 to 4 minutes to let it finish absorbing.
Step 7: Finish with Parmesan and Cream
Remove the pot from heat and stir in grated parmesan cheese and heavy whipping cream. This final touch creates a rich, creamy sauce that clings to every grain of rice and every piece of chicken, making the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese over the top before serving. Not only do these garnishes add a fresh contrast and extra flavor, but they also make the dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a little extra parmesan cheese elevate this dish, offering a burst of color and brightness that make each serving pop on the plate. These simple garnishes add freshness and an extra layer of cheesy indulgence.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe is already a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus adds wonderful contrast in texture and balances the creaminess with some crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try serving this dish in individual ramekins garnished with parsley and parmesan flakes. You could even bake it briefly in the oven for a golden cheesy crust on top. For a casual gathering, serve it in a large, rustic bowl so everyone can dish themselves a comforting helping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe will reheat beautifully the next day, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner again.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers to avoid reheating more than you need. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back the creamy texture. Stir occasionally to ensure it warms evenly without drying out, and finish with a little extra parmesan for that freshly melted cheese taste.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may require more liquid. Adjust cooking time accordingly and check for tenderness before finishing.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! The Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe reheats extremely well, making it ideal for meal prepping. Just store in individual portions for quick, satisfying meals throughout the week.
Can I substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth?
You can use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version or if you don’t have chicken broth on hand. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and comforting.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. For the fullest flavor and creaminess, heavy cream is recommended.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding peas, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the cooking process adds nutrition, color, and extra flavor to this hearty dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of garlic, parmesan, chicken, and creamy rice that makes this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, or just want a satisfying meal that feels like a hug on a plate, this dish fits the bill perfectly. Give it a try — I’m sure it will become one of your cherished favorites in no time!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pot meal combining tender chicken pieces seasoned with paprika, garlic salt, and pepper, cooked with aromatic onions and garlic, simmered in chicken broth with long-grain white rice, then enriched with creamy Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. This flavorful dish comes together in about 40 minutes, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Cooking Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Rice and Liquids
- 1 ½ cups (277.5 g) uncooked long-grain white rice
- 3 cups (24 ounces / 720 g) chicken broth
Finishing Ingredients
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra for garnish
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season Chicken: In a bowl, evenly coat the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic salt, and ground black pepper. Set aside to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Melt Butter: Place a large pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until foamy and fragrant.
- Cook Onion: Add the finely diced yellow onion to the melted butter and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Brown Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the pot with the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are golden on all sides, approximately 5 minutes. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing its aroma to infuse the mixture.
- Add Rice and Broth: Pour in the uncooked long-grain white rice and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly in the pot.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot with the lid tightly. Let it simmer undisturbed for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. If the liquid remains after 20 minutes, continue to cook covered for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy whipping cream until the cheese is melted and the mixture becomes creamy and luscious.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top for garnish. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use a pot with a tight-fitting lid to ensure proper steaming and cooking of the rice.
- Stir the mixture once after adding rice and broth to prevent sticking, but avoid frequent stirring during simmering to avoid rice becoming mushy.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the texture will be less rich.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning when seasoning the chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
