If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner winner, Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice absolutely fits the bill. This recipe has all the crowd-pleasing qualities: tender, juicy chicken with a golden garlic crust, nestled over creamy, cheesy rice that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The comforting aroma of garlic and butter fills your kitchen, and each bite layers flavor upon flavor—all with minimal fuss. The best part? This is a one-pan wonder that feels elegant enough for company, yet easy enough for any night of the week. Read on, because Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice is about to become your new mealtime favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice is how a handful of pantry staples come together for something truly special. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring balance to the dish—from rich, savory notes to that creamy rice base everyone loves. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you don’t want to skip a single item:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs or breasts cook quickly and stay juicy, making them a perfect canvas for all that garlicky butter goodness.
- Paprika: Adds a touch of smoky warmth and a lovely pop of color for extra visual appeal.
- Italian seasoning: Gives a fragrant herby backdrop, rounding out the flavor profile beautifully.
- Salt: Brings all the components together and enhances every bite—don’t shy away!
- Black pepper: A gentle heat that complements the other spices without overpowering them.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection and adds delicious richness.
- Unsalted butter: The star of that irresistible garlic butter flavor—a must for silkiness and taste.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key; it perfumes the rice and chicken, lifting everything up.
- Long-grain white rice: Absorbs all the flavors while staying fluffy and tender.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth rather than just using water—so important!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch for creamy, salty, and nutty rice that everyone craves.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Brings freshness and adds a quick pop of color on top.
- Lemon wedges (optional): A squeeze brightens the whole dish, balancing out those rich flavors.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry, then sprinkle both sides generously with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This quick step ensures every bite of chicken in your Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice packs a burst of flavor right from the get-go.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, lay in the chicken. Sear for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, letting the exterior develop a deep golden crust. The trick is not to move the chicken too much, letting it build flavor and color both for itself and for the pan. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. As soon as it melts, pop in your minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute, stirring constantly. You want it fragrantly golden, but not burnt—this is the foundation of the “garlic butter” glory in your Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice.
Step 4: Toast the Rice
Pour the rice straight into the garlicky butter and give it a quick stir. Toasting the rice for 1 to 2 minutes adds a subtle nuttiness and ensures it soaks up every last drop of flavor. Don’t rush—this is what turns ordinary rice truly extraordinary.
Step 5: Add the Broth & Simmer
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s pure flavor you don’t want to waste). Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely irresistible as the rice absorbs all that buttery broth.
Step 6: Stir in the Parmesan
When the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir well until everything is luxuriously creamy. This step is a game-changer—the Parmesan tethers all the flavors, transforming the rice into a savory, cheesy dream.
Step 7: Slice Chicken & Serve
Slice your beautifully seared chicken and nestle it right over the Parmesan rice. Spoon some of that buttery rice on top if you like, and don’t forget any savory juices left on the plate. Finish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if you’re feeling fancy. Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice deserves nothing less.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is more than just a pretty touch—it adds brightness to the dish, enhancing both flavor and presentation. If you’ve got lemon wedges on hand, a quick squeeze right before serving can make this Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice absolutely pop, cutting through the richness with welcome acidity. You could even add extra shaved Parmesan for an extra layer of decadence.
Side Dishes
While Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice stands tall on its own, it pairs beautifully with simple greens like sautéed spinach or crisp-tender green beans. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette would balance out the comforting, creamy rice and ensure every plate feels vibrant and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with portions by serving Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice in shallow dinner bowls, letting the chicken rest atop a bed of the Parmesan rice. For a dinner party, try slicing the chicken and fanning it alongside a generous heap of rice, then finish with lavish parsley and a bright lemon wedge. Want a fun twist? Pile it into lettuce wraps for a more hands-on, family-style feel!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice cool to room temperature, then store it in airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and rice together helps the flavors meld even more for next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
While you can freeze Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice, the creamy Parmesan rice may change texture a bit upon thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken and rice in separate containers. Be sure to wrap everything tightly to prevent freezer burn, and enjoy within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the rice before microwaving or reheating gently on the stovetop—this will restore some of its creamy goodness. The chicken can be sliced and warmed alongside, or even gently sautéed for one more hit of that garlicky butter pan sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well for Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice. Thighs tend to be a bit juicier, but breasts will give you a slightly lighter result. Just be sure not to overcook them for the best texture.
What kind of rice works best?
You’ll get the fluffiest, most flavorful results with long-grain white rice. If you prefer brown rice, just note that you’ll need to adjust the cook time and add some extra broth, as brown rice takes longer to become tender.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Spinach or peas are both fantastic additions. Simply stir in fresh spinach or frozen peas during the last few minutes of rice cooking for a boost of color and nutrition in your Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice.
Do I have to use fresh Parmesan?
Freshly grated is highly recommended for the creamiest, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pre-grated cheese can sometimes clump and not melt as smoothly, so if you can, grab a wedge and your grater. You’ll taste the difference!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice is naturally gluten-free, provided your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. It’s a great comfort meal to share with friends or family who avoid gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about a dish that promises so much with every bite, and Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice delivers every time. It’s that magic combo of easy ingredients, quick prep, and pure comfort food satisfaction. I promise—if you give this a try, you’ll want to make it again and again. Happy cooking, and let this one become a regular at your table!
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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice recipe. Succulent chicken seasoned to perfection served over creamy Parmesan rice, a dish that is comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Parmesan Rice:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Sear chicken in a skillet until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Rice: Sauté garlic, add rice, broth, and simmer until tender. Stir in Parmesan.
- Serve: Slice chicken and serve over Parmesan rice. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- You can add spinach or peas to the rice for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
