Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice has become my go-to weeknight hero! I first stumbled upon this magical dish when I was absolutely swamped with work and needed something delicious that wouldn’t leave my kitchen looking like a disaster zone. This creamy garlic parmesan chicken rice is a revelation – tender chicken tenders swimming in a rich, garlicky, cheesy rice that smells absolutely divine as it cooks. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve ordered from a fancy restaurant, but it’s all made right there in one pan. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone you cook for! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice
This dish is a true weeknight warrior, and I know you’re going to fall in love with it. Here’s why:
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken is simply irresistible.
- Minimal Cleanup: As an easy garlic parmesan chicken rice, it’s a lifesaver. Everything cooks in one skillet!
- Quick Preparation: You can have this hearty meal on the table in under an hour.
- Perfectly Creamy Rice: The rice absorbs all those delicious flavors, creating a wonderfully creamy texture.
- Versatile: It’s fantastic for busy weeknights or even for entertaining guests.
- One-Pan Wonder: The one pan garlic parmesan chicken rice method means less washing up and more enjoying your meal.
- Satisfying Meal: It’s a complete meal in itself, with protein, carbs, and tons of flavor.
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice
Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delightful garlic parmesan chicken rice experience. The magic of this dish lies in its straightforward components that come together beautifully. You’ll need:
- 2 lbs chicken tenders – I love using tenders because they cook quickly and stay incredibly moist, making this a perfect chicken breast garlic parmesan rice dish.
- 3 cups uncooked long-grain white rice – This is the base for our creamy rice; make sure it’s uncooked!
- 6 cups chicken stock – This provides the liquid for the rice to absorb, infusing it with savory flavor.
- 1 cup cooking white wine – Adds a subtle acidity and depth that balances the richness. Don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off!
- 1 cup unsalted butter – For richness and to help create that luscious, creamy texture.
- 4 tbsp olive oil – Divided, used for searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics.
- 4 tbsp minced garlic – The star of the show! Use fresh for the best flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – An extra punch of garlic goodness.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes – Just a hint of heat to make things interesting.
- 2 tsp salt, divided – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste – Adds a little spice and freshness.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – The key to that irresistible cheesy, savory flavor.
- Optional: ½ cup shredded mozzarella – For an extra gooey, cheesy finish.
- Optional: Zest of 1 lemon – Brightens up the dish beautifully.
- Optional: 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – For a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness.
How to Make One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice
Get ready for the easiest, most flavorful dinner you’ve made all week! This garlic parmesan chicken rice skillet comes together with minimal fuss and maximum taste. Trust me, the aroma filling your kitchen will have everyone gathering around!
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Step 1: Pat your chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels. This is key for a good sear! Season them generously with 1 tsp salt, plenty of fresh cracked black pepper, and the garlic powder. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the chicken tenders and sear them for about 3–4 minutes per side, until beautifully golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Remove the seared chicken and set it aside on a plate.
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Step 2: Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium. Add the 1 cup unsalted butter and the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, stir in the 4 tbsp minced garlic and the ½ tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for just 1–2 minutes until the garlic is wonderfully fragrant – be careful not to burn it!
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Step 3: Add the 3 cups uncooked long-grain white rice to the skillet. Stir it constantly for about 2 minutes, toasting the grains until they look slightly opaque and smell nutty. This step really enhances the texture and flavor of the rice in your garlic parmesan chicken rice skillet.
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Step 4: Pour in the 1 cup cooking white wine. Use your spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan from searing the chicken. Let the wine bubble and reduce for about 1 minute, allowing its flavor to meld with the garlic.
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Step 5: Now, pour in the 6 cups chicken stock and the remaining 1 tsp salt. Give everything a good stir and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, cover the skillet tightly, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. This allows the rice to start absorbing all that savory liquid. For more information on cooking rice, check out this guide.
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Step 6: Gently nestle the seared chicken tenders back into the rice mixture. Make sure they’re mostly submerged. Place the lid back on the skillet and continue to cook on low for another 10 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender and the chicken is cooked through. You’ll notice the liquid should be mostly absorbed.
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Step 7: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. If you’re using the optional shredded mozzarella, add that now too. Stir gently to combine everything, letting the cheese melt into the rice. Add the optional lemon zest and fresh parsley if using. Let the garlic parmesan chicken rice sit covered for 2–3 minutes off the heat. This final rest allows everything to meld together, creating that irresistible creamy finish that makes this garlic parmesan chicken rice skillet so special.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice
I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, and these little tricks really elevate it from good to absolutely spectacular. Following these tips will ensure your garlic parmesan chicken rice is a guaranteed hit every single time.
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly, affecting the creaminess.
- Don’t skip toasting the rice! This step is crucial for developing a nutty flavor and ensuring the rice grains stay separate and don’t become mushy.
- Sear the chicken properly. A good sear not only adds beautiful color but also locks in the juices, making your chicken tenders incredibly tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning throughout. Rice and chicken can absorb a lot of salt, so tasting before serving is key to balancing the flavors.
What’s the secret to perfect creamy garlic parmesan chicken rice?
The secret lies in creating a “panade” by toasting the rice and letting it absorb the flavorful liquid. Stirring in the Parmesan cheese at the end, off the heat, is also key for that luscious, creamy texture in your chicken and rice with garlic parmesan.
Can I make garlic parmesan chicken rice ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some components ahead. You can sear the chicken and measure out your dry ingredients. However, cooking the rice and combining everything should ideally be done just before serving for the best creamy texture. For more meal prep ideas, see here.
How do I avoid common mistakes with garlic parmesan chicken rice?
A common pitfall is overcooking the rice, leading to a mushy texture. Make sure to follow the timing closely. Also, avoid using pre-shredded Parmesan, as it won’t melt as smoothly. Finally, don’t skip searing the chicken; bland chicken is a common mistake! Learning about proper searing techniques can be helpful, as discussed in this article.
Best Ways to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice
This versatile garlic parmesan chicken rice dinner is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple additions. For a complete meal, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed or roasted asparagus or green beans are also wonderful complements, adding a fresh, vibrant element. You could even serve this as a hearty side dish to grilled steak or fish if you’re looking to go all out!
Nutrition Facts for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice
This delicious garlic parmesan chicken rice is a satisfying meal, and here’s a breakdown of its nutritional highlights per serving. Keep in mind these are estimates, as the exact values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in your garlic parmesan chicken rice.
- Calories: 540
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: 720mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice
One of the best things about this garlic parmesan chicken rice is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prepping. Once cooked, let the garlic parmesan chicken rice casserole cool down completely on the counter for about an hour. This is super important to prevent condensation, which can make leftovers soggy. Then, transfer the cooled dish into airtight containers. It should stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, this dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a few great options. For the best results, gently reheat individual portions in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken stock or water to help loosen the rice. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through, until heated through. If reheating a larger portion from the fridge or freezer, consider transferring it to an oven-safe dish and warming it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice
What kind of chicken is best for garlic parmesan chicken rice?
Chicken tenders are my absolute favorite for this garlic parmesan chicken rice because they cook quickly and stay incredibly moist, ensuring a tender bite every time. However, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch chunks, or even chicken thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the searing time as needed.
How do I ensure the rice isn’t mushy when I learn how to make garlic parmesan chicken rice?
The key to perfectly cooked rice in this garlic parmesan chicken rice recipe is accurate liquid measurement and timing. Make sure you’re using long-grain white rice as called for, and don’t lift the lid while it’s steaming for the first 15 minutes. The final 10 minutes with the chicken also helps the rice finish absorbing any remaining liquid without getting overcooked. For tips on rice cooking, see this resource.
Can I add vegetables to this garlic parmesan chicken rice?
Definitely! This recipe is super adaptable. I love adding a handful of spinach during the last few minutes of cooking, or stirring in some frozen peas or corn. Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers added with the garlic in Step 2 also work wonderfully to create a more complete garlic parmesan chicken rice dinner.
What if I don’t have white wine for this garlic parmesan chicken rice recipe?
No problem at all! If you prefer not to use wine, simply substitute it with an additional cup of chicken stock. For a little brightness that wine provides, you can also add a tablespoon of lemon juice along with the extra stock. You won’t miss the wine, and the garlic parmesan chicken rice will still be incredibly flavorful!
Variations of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice You Can Try
This garlic parmesan chicken rice is already fantastic, but I love how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. It’s a wonderfully flexible dish! Here are a few of my favorite ways to switch things up:
- Add Veggies: For a burst of color and extra nutrients, stir in a cup of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking until it wilts. Frozen peas or corn also work great! You could also add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers along with the garlic in Step 2 for a heartier meal. A popular choice is definitely garlic parmesan chicken rice with broccoli, which you can add steamed or lightly sautéed.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the garlic. For a bolder kick, try swapping the garlic powder and red pepper flakes for your favorite Cajun seasoning blend.
- Dietary Swaps: For a lighter version, you can use brown rice, but be sure to increase the chicken stock to 7-8 cups and extend the cooking time. If you want to make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Different Cooking Method: While the skillet method is my favorite for convenience, you could adapt this into a garlic parmesan chicken rice casserole by layering the ingredients in a baking dish and baking at 375°F (190°C) until the rice is cooked and the chicken is done. For more casserole ideas, check out this page.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice: Quick Savory Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful one-pan dish featuring juicy chicken tenders nestled in creamy, garlicky, Parmesan-infused rice. This recipe is designed for minimal cleanup and maximum taste, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders
- 3 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup cooking white wine
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp salt, divided
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- Optional: Zest of 1 lemon
- Optional: 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat chicken tenders dry. Season with 1 tsp salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter with remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in uncooked rice and toast for 2 minutes until slightly opaque and nutty.
- Pour in white wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken stock and remaining 1 tsp salt. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Nestle the seared chicken tenders into the rice. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, optional mozzarella, lemon zest, and parsley. Gently stir to combine. Let sit covered for 2–3 minutes for a creamy finish.
Notes
- If not using wine, substitute with an additional cup of chicken stock and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- For extra creaminess, stir in shredded mozzarella at the end.
- Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for extra color and nutrients.
- For a spicier version, swap garlic powder and red pepper flakes for Cajun seasoning.
- Using brown rice requires more stock (7–8 cups) and a longer cooking time (35–40 minutes).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: N/A
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