If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor but comes together in a snap, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy chicken mingles with rich, aromatic garlic butter and a creamy Parmesan-infused rice, making each bite downright irresistible. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends without hours in the kitchen. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your all-time favorites, just like it is mine!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role, from tenderizing the chicken to creating that luscious, cheesy rice base that holds everything together.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for leaner protein, both work beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Deepens the garlic flavor and complements the fresh garlic used later.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken with a subtle fruity note.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Brings that creamy, luscious richness key to this dish.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh and fragrant, it’s the star scent that fills your kitchen.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Absorbs all the delicious buttery garlic broth, creating the perfect base.
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth: Gives the rice flavor and moisture to achieve that tender, fluffy texture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the rice, offering a wonderful nutty creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch of color and mild herbaceous notes.
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional): Provide a bright, citrusy contrast that livens up each bite.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build a simple but flavorful foundation. Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in a single layer, allowing it to get a golden, slightly crispy exterior while retaining juicy tenderness inside. This step locks in the savory depth that makes the dish unforgettable. Once cooked through, set the chicken aside – you’re just getting started!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Toast the Rice
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and toss in the minced garlic. The scent as it sautés for 1 to 2 minutes is downright intoxicating, releasing that warm, garlicky aroma that signals good things ahead. Next, add your rice and stir it around so each grain gets coated in the garlic butter mixture — this toasting step enhances the rice’s nutty flavor and prevents it from sticking together later.
Step 3: Cook the Rice in Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it all to a gentle boil. Then cover the skillet, lower the heat, and let the rice simmer for about 15 to 18 minutes until it’s perfectly tender and all the flavorful broth is absorbed. This stage is where the magic happens, as the rice soaks in all those rich, savory notes, forming a creamy base that pairs perfectly with your chicken.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and Combine with Chicken
Once the rice is cooked, stir the grated Parmesan cheese right in while the mixture is still warm. It melts smoothly into the rice, creating a luscious, creamy texture that’s downright addictive. Now, return that beautifully seared chicken to the skillet, toss everything together gently, and let it warm through for a few minutes. This final melding step ensures every morsel is packed with flavor and harmony.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of refreshing green and a slightly herbaceous brightness that balances the richness. For an extra touch, lemon wedges bring a zesty lift when squeezed over, cutting through the creaminess and adding a juicy twist that makes the flavors dance.
Side Dishes
This dish shines wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli adds texture and color to your plate. Roasted carrots or a simple cucumber salad make excellent companions, providing fresh, crunchy contrasts to the savory, creamy main.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice Recipe right from the skillet for a rustic vibe that’s cozy and inviting. Alternatively, plate it in neat mounds topped with parsley and lemon wedges alongside delicate microgreens for an elegant, restaurant-quality presentation. Adding a drizzle of extra garlic butter on top just amps up the indulgence factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying quick lunches during a busy week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you thaw it, the texture of the rice may soften a bit, but the flavors will remain delicious and comforting.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps revive the creamy texture of the rice. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well in this Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice Recipe. Thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, while breasts provide a leaner option—just watch cooking times to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy flavor. The dish will lose some creaminess but will still be delicious and satisfying.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Adding peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms toward the end of cooking is a great way to incorporate extra veggies and nutrients without changing the core flavor dramatically.
What type of rice works best for this dish?
Long-grain white rice is ideal as it cooks up fluffy and absorbs flavors beautifully. If you prefer brown rice, you can use it but expect a longer cooking time and slightly different texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
A simple way is to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when toasting the garlic or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning. This adds a nice heat that plays well with the garlic butter flavors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice Recipe enough if you’re looking to bring a little extra joy and warmth to your dinner table. It’s effortless, comforting, and packed with those familiar, cozy flavors that feel like a hug in a meal. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself making it over and over again!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken with 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
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice recipe features tender, bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over creamy Parmesan-infused rice. It’s a comforting one-pan stovetop meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Rice & Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder evenly to prepare them for cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, infusing the butter with flavor.
- Cook the rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the garlic butter in the skillet and stir it well to coat the rice grains evenly. Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture throughout the rice.
- Combine chicken and rice: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the Parmesan rice, gently stir to combine everything thoroughly, and warm the mixture through over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side, if desired, for an extra zing.
Notes
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice, but you will need to increase both the cooking time and the amount of liquid accordingly.
- For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- To add more vegetables, stir in some fresh spinach or peas during the rice cooking step.
