Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken breast and creamy, garlicky rice. The chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection, while the rice absorbs the richness of chicken broth and Parmesan cheese. This one-pan meal is both quick and easy to make, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then brown them on both sides in the skillet, about 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover the skillet, reduce the heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the rice becomes creamy.
- Serve the chicken breasts over the garlic Parmesan rice and garnish with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Add Vegetables: You can include vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms in the rice for added flavor and nutrients.
- Substitute with Brown Rice: Swap white rice for brown rice, but note that it will require a longer cooking time and more broth.
- Lemon Zest: For a fresh twist, add a bit of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic for a bit of heat.
- Chicken Thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a more flavorful and juicy option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra chicken broth if the rice becomes dry.
10 FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used. Just ensure they are cooked through and adjust cooking time accordingly. - Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked?
While you can use pre-cooked rice, the cooking process will be different, and the flavors won’t absorb as well. It’s best to use uncooked rice for this recipe. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. - Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth is a great substitute if you prefer a vegetarian version of this dish. - What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Romano or Asiago cheese would be great substitutes, giving a similar salty, tangy flavor. - How can I make the rice creamier?
Add a little extra butter or heavy cream to the rice after it’s cooked to make it even creamier. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the rice ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. - Can I cook this in the oven?
While this recipe is designed for stovetop cooking, you could also cook it in the oven by transferring the ingredients to a baking dish and covering it with foil. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. - What side dishes go well with this?
This dish pairs well with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. - Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines tender, flavorful chicken with creamy, cheesy rice. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, it offers a comforting meal that is both delicious and easy to make. With plenty of room for variations and simple to store for leftovers, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish, combining tender chicken breast with a rich garlic Parmesan rice. The garlic infuses the rice with aromatic goodness, while the Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, savory finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this dish is sure to satisfy the whole family!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides in the skillet, about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the rice is creamy.
- Serve the chicken over the garlic Parmesan rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Chicken: Feel free to use boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer a juicier cut of meat.
- Rice: For a bit more flavor, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or use a blend of half broth and half water.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best for a smooth and rich texture.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness, but you can also use basil or thyme for a different touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
