If you are craving a dish that combines bold flavors with comforting creaminess, then you are going to love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rice Recipe. This meal perfectly balances tender, garlicky chicken tenders with rich, cheesy rice that soaks up every bit of flavor, making it a family favorite that’s both satisfying and special. The combination of garlic and Parmesan adds a savory punch, while the creamy rice offers that deliciously smooth texture that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a wonderful one-pan wonder that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make anytime you want a cozy, impressive dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s wonderful depth of flavor and texture. From the fragrant garlic to the creamy Parmesan cheese, every component brings something special to the table, resulting in a perfectly balanced Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rice Recipe.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely, slightly fruity base for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Butter: Essential for that rich, silky sauté base, bringing creaminess and depth to the rice and sauce.
- Chicken tenders: Tender and quick-cooking, they ensure juicy bites packed with flavor.
- Garlic powder: Provides an extra layer of garlic flavor that infuses the chicken beautifully.
- Minced garlic: Fresh and punchy, responsible for the iconic garlic aroma that elevates the whole dish.
- Salt: Divided carefully to enhance all flavors without overpowering.
- Red pepper flakes: Offer a subtle hint of heat that awakens your taste buds gently.
- White rice (uncooked): The canvas for the creamy, savory sauce that completes the meal.
- Dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity, helping marry the garlic and Parmesan flavors.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for that salty, nutty richness that makes the rice indulgently creamy.
- Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the rice with savory goodness and moisture.
- Salt and pepper: The final seasoning touches to balance and brighten the dish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken tenders generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Once the skillet is hot, sear the chicken until each piece is beautifully browned and cooked through, locking in the juices. Set the chicken aside so you can build the flavors in the same skillet.
Step 2: Build the Sauce Base
In the skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic along with red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to prevent bitterness. Next, pour in the dry white wine and cook for about five minutes to let the alcohol cook off and the flavors concentrate. Make sure to reserve some of this delicious sauce for drizzling later.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Add the uncooked white rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the buttery-garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. This step is where the rice really soaks up all those amazing flavors, becoming creamy and luscious.
Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Chicken
Once the rice is tender, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over it, stirring lightly to melt the cheese through the rice. Arrange the seared chicken tenders on top, cover with a lid, and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the chicken to warm through again while the flavors meld beautifully together.
Step 5: Add the Final Touch
Drizzle the reserved garlic and wine sauce over the chicken to add a burst of concentrated flavor. For a final pop of color and freshness, garnish with chopped parsley if you like. Serve this irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rice Recipe hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing isn’t just about looks—adding some freshly chopped parsley or even a little extra Parmesan on top adds a fresh, vibrant scent and a touch of texture that complements the creamy rice perfectly. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper can also enhance the depth of flavor just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp, green side salads or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the rich creaminess of the rice. A simple lemon wedge on the side can brighten the entire plate with a citrusy zing that cuts through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the chicken and creamy rice in individual pretty bowls for a cozy, inviting experience, or plate it family-style on a large platter so everyone can help themselves. Adding a drizzle of olive oil or a few red pepper flakes on top can add color and a bit of extra kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rice Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it makes a fantastic next-day meal that’s just as comforting as freshly made.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture of the rice may change slightly upon thawing, but the flavor will remain delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the rice if needed. Cover while reheating to keep the chicken moist and the rice creamy. Stir occasionally for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets or small strips to ensure they cook evenly and remain tender, mimicking the quick and juicy nature of tenders.
What can I substitute for dry white wine if I don’t drink alcohol?
You can use extra chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice or white grape juice as a non-alcoholic substitute. This will maintain the necessary acidity and flavor complexity.
Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese, or can I use another cheese?
Parmesan is ideal due to its salty, nutty flavor and melting quality, but you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different, yet still delicious, taste profile.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure the chicken broth and any additional seasonings are certified gluten-free. The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish easy to adapt.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes add only a subtle warmth so the dish is mostly mild with a gentle kick. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the comforting embrace of Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rice Recipe to brighten your dinner table. It’s a dish that combines simple ingredients into a spectacular, flavorful experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites—give it a try, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe combines tender seared chicken tenders with a rich and flavorful garlic Parmesan rice cooked in chicken broth and white wine. The dish is enhanced with sautéed garlic, butter, and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, making it a comforting and satisfying one-pan meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice and Sauce
- ½ c. butter (1 stick)
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ c. white rice (uncooked)
- ½ c. dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
- 3 c. chicken broth
- ½ c. Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken tenders evenly with garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Sear the chicken in the heated skillet until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and softened, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the dry white wine and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the sauce to reduce slightly. Reserve a small portion of this sauce for later use.
- Cook the Rice: Add the uncooked white rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the garlic butter sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, covered, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Combine and Rest: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the rice evenly. Arrange the cooked chicken tenders on top of the rice, cover the skillet, and let it stand off the heat for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt.
- Serve: Drizzle the reserved garlic wine sauce over the chicken tenders. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve the dish hot.
Notes
- Use good-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat; adjust the amount to your taste or omit if preferred.
- Dry white wine can be substituted with additional chicken broth if desired.
- Make sure to keep the skillet covered while the rice cooks for even steaming and tenderness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
