Print

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Print Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is a creamy, cheesy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts, fluffy long-grain white rice, and a flavorful sauce made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and cream. This comforting dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family meals, offering rich flavor with minimal cleanup. Customize it easily with your favorite veggies or seasoning blends for a fresh twist every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

Aromatics & Seasoning

  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or a mix)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids & Dairy

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: Lower heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt to develop the dish’s signature garlic aroma.
  3. Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rice and toast it lightly with the garlic for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate deep flavors into the rice.
  4. Simmer Chicken and Rice Together: Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the pan. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently until the rice absorbs the liquid and the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Stir in Cream and Parmesan: Once rice is tender and chicken cooked, remove the lid and pour in the heavy cream followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently to combine until the sauce becomes creamy and thick.

Notes

  • Flatten chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking and tenderness.
  • Use long-grain white rice for best results; avoid quick-cooking or instant rice which can become mushy.
  • Toast rice with garlic to intensify flavor and prevent a bland base.
  • Let the dish rest covered for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
  • Adjust the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms during the last few minutes for added nutrition.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken, One-Pan Dinner, Creamy Chicken and Rice, Comfort Food, Easy Weeknight Meal

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-and-rice/