Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

If you love dishes that blend cozy comfort and rich flavor, this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Tender bites of chicken and fluffy rice are infused with aromatic garlic, then finished with creamy parmesan for a meal that feels both indulgent and approachable. Everything comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and allowing all those savory flavors to meld beautifully. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or looking for that special something to wow friends, Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice never disappoints.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients you likely already have on hand, but each one brings something special to the table. Together, they create a harmony of flavor, texture, and sheer deliciousness in every bite.

• Chicken Breast: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breast for easy cooking and mild flavor that soaks up all the seasoning.
• White Rice: Long-grain or jasmine rice gives the dish a fragrant, fluffy base and absorbs the flavorful broth.
• Fresh Garlic: Finely minced garlic infuses the entire skillet with irresistible aroma and depth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts in, adding creaminess and a signature nutty tang.
• Chicken Broth: Cooking the rice in broth boosts savory flavor and keeps everything moist.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic, adding richness and helping everything brown beautifully.
• Butter: A bit of unsalted butter finishes the dish with a glossy, decadent touch.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that balance and enhance all the other flavors.
• Parsley (optional): Fresh chopped parsley brings color and a burst of freshness right at the end.

How to Make Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking. Mince your garlic finely so it melts into the dish instead of leaving any harsh bites. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to prevent it from getting gummy. Take a moment to grate your Parmesan cheese—trust me, it’s worth the extra minute for that nutty, melted goodness.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Let it cook, undisturbed, for a couple of minutes to get golden edges, then toss and cook just until the pieces are no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. This step locks in juicy, tender bites that won’t dry out while you finish the rice.

Step 3: Cook the Garlic and Rice

Reduce the heat to medium and add a tablespoon of butter, then stir in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to coat the grains in all that garlicky, buttery flavor. Toast the rice for a minute or two until it begins to look a bit translucent around the edges.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the cooked chicken pieces back to the pan, and give everything a good stir. Lower the heat, cover, and let the rice simmer until tender and the liquid is absorbed—about 18 minutes. No peeking! This ensures Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice turns out perfectly fluffy and full of flavor.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Finish

Once the rice is cooked and fluffy, turn off the heat and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan. Gently fold everything together, add a small knob of butter, and cover the skillet for a few more minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese and butter for a lush, creamy finish. Fluff with a fork, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and serve piping hot.

How to Serve Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice

Garnishes

A vibrant sprinkle of chopped parsley over the top not only adds a burst of color to Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice, but also freshens every bite. For a bit more decadence, finish with extra shaved Parmesan or a dash of cracked black pepper—simple touches that make the dish look and taste restaurant-quality.

Side Dishes

Serve this rice with a crisp green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette, or add some roasted vegetables on the side for a pop of color. Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or blistered cherry tomatoes all pair beautifully with the creamy, garlicky notes of Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, spoon the rice into shallow bowls and top with a nest of microgreens or arugula. For a family-style touch, bring the skillet straight to the table and let everyone dig in. You can even use Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice as a savory filling for stuffed bell peppers or serve it inside hollowed bread bowls for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making lunch leftovers especially crave-worthy!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Spoon cooled rice into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible. Label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, splash a tablespoon or two of broth or water over the rice, then microwave in 30-second increments, stirring occasionally, until hot. If you’re using the stovetop, gently warm the rice in a skillet over low heat, adding a touch more Parmesan or butter to revive that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice, and you may need to add more broth. The result will be a nuttier, heartier version of Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice.

What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are most commonly used, but thighs work well too, offering even more juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to trim away any excess fat.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can stir in sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for protein and substance—just as delicious and every bit as comforting!

Can I add vegetables to Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice?

Definitely! Stir in peas, spinach, diced carrots, or chopped zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. The added veggies make the meal extra filling and colorful.

What’s the best way to get rice perfectly fluffy?

Wash the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch, use a tightly-fitting lid while simmering, and let the rice rest off the heat for five minutes before fluffing. These steps keep Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice light and tender every time.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Rice is the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you serve it on a busy weeknight or as an impressive dish for friends, its warmth and flavor always shine through. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it just as delicious, comforting, and reliable as I do!

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