Chicken With Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Sizzling Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe for Dinner

A savory chicken with garlic Parmesan rice that instantly sparks dinner excitement.

Comfort meets gourmet in this simple yet impressive meal that sings with rich, creamy flavors.

Weeknight cooking transforms into a delightful culinary adventure with minimal effort.

Crispy chicken meets perfectly seasoned rice, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients stand between you and this delectable dish.

Each forkful promises a burst of cheesy, garlicky goodness that satisfies deep hunger.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when deliciousness matters most.

Why Chicken With Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe Is A Family Favorite

  • Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: This recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of perfectly seasoned chicken with a golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy tenderness.
  • Master Effortless Cooking Technique: By using a simple skillet method, home cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results without complicated steps or advanced culinary skills.
  • Celebrate Speedy Weeknight Dinner: From seasoning to searing, this dish comes together in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy families seeking delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Enjoy Versatile Protein Preparation: The seasoning blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika creates a universally appealing flavor profile that works with multiple side dishes and can be easily adapted to personal taste preferences.

What You’ll Need For Chicken With Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps draw out moisture.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the chicken.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides a concentrated garlic flavor without added moisture.
  • Paprika: Offers a mild sweetness and beautiful reddish color.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Creates a golden sear and adds a rich, smooth flavor to the chicken.
Protein:
  • Chicken: The main star of the dish, best when using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for even cooking and tender texture. Fresh, high-quality chicken ensures the best taste and texture.

How To Make Chicken With Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Generously coat each chicken piece with a magical blend of:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika

Massage the spices into the chicken, ensuring every inch is well-seasoned.

Step 2: Prepare the Searing Pan

Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzling olive oil to create a shimmering cooking surface. Let the oil heat until it’s dancing and ready to embrace the chicken.

Step 3: Golden Brown Perfection

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet. Listen for that satisfying sizzle as the meat makes contact with the pan. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown crust to develop.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The meat should be completely white inside with no hint of pink.

Step 5: Rest and Prepare

Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a waiting plate. Let it rest briefly, allowing the juices to redistribute and create a tender, succulent result.

Cooking Tips For Chicken With Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

  • Boost Seasoning Depth: Layer salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika directly onto chicken for maximum flavor penetration.
  • Achieve Perfect Sear: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to create a beautiful golden-brown crust on chicken.
  • Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F/75C without drying out.
  • Oil Selection Matters: Choose high-quality olive oil with good smoke point to prevent burning and enhance overall dish taste.
  • Rest and Recover: Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring tender and succulent meat.

How To Store Chicken With Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Microwave: Reheat chicken and rice separately on medium power, adding a splash of chicken broth to rice to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Oven Method: Warm chicken and rice in a covered baking dish at 350F for 10-15 minutes, sprinkling a little water over the rice to keep it tender.
  • Shelf Life: Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for best quality and food safety, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.

Fun Ideas For Chicken With Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

  • Herb-Infused Fusion: Swap garlic powder with fresh chopped rosemary and thyme for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired variation that elevates the chicken's flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Replace paprika with chili powder and add cumin to create a bold, zesty version that brings southwestern heat to the classic recipe.
  • Lemon Pepper Sensation: Incorporate fresh lemon zest and cracked black pepper instead of standard seasonings, adding bright citrusy notes that complement the chicken's richness.
  • Cajun Crispy Rendition: Mix Cajun seasoning blend with the original spices to deliver a spicier, more complex coating that provides a New Orleans-style culinary experience.

FAQs For Chicken With Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and evenly, absorbing the seasonings perfectly while staying juicy.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free seasonings and check that your parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free. The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and white throughout with no pink areas.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken and rice dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a great option for preparing meals in advance for busy weekdays.

Tasty Pairings For Chicken With Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

  • Elevate Chicken's Flavor Profile: Pair this garlic Parmesan chicken with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the richness and complements the dish's garlicky notes.
  • Create Herbaceous Side Harmony: Serve alongside a fresh Mediterranean salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the chicken's savory depth.
  • Enhance Creamy Texture Contrast: Add roasted asparagus drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkled with Parmesan to introduce a subtle green vegetable element that matches the rice's creamy texture.
  • Boost Dining Experience: Consider a rustic sourdough bread to soak up any remaining pan juices, adding an extra layer of flavor and providing a satisfying accompaniment to the chicken and rice.
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Chicken With Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Chicken With Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent chicken nestles perfectly atop creamy garlic parmesan rice, creating a comforting meal that blends Italian-inspired flavors with homestyle comfort. Delightful aromas and rich textures promise a satisfying dinner you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (or 4 small breasts)

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (200 grams) long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Generously coat chicken pieces with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring even coverage across all surfaces.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet, allowing it to shimmer and reach a medium-high temperature that promises a perfect sear.
  3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, letting each piece develop a rich, golden-brown crust that seals in natural juices.
  4. Cook chicken thoroughly, rotating once midway to achieve an even, caramelized exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
  5. Verify doneness by checking the internal temperature has reached 165°F / 75°C, which guarantees the meat is safely cooked while remaining tender and succulent.
  6. Transfer beautifully seared chicken to a clean plate, allowing it to rest momentarily while retaining its warmth and flavorful integrity.

Notes

  • Elevate the chicken’s flavor by marinating it for 30 minutes before cooking in a blend of olive oil, herbs, and lemon juice.
  • Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken breasts to a uniform thickness, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
  • For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour when creating a crispy chicken exterior and swap regular soy sauce with tamari.
  • Transform this dish into a low-carb option by replacing rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles while maintaining the delicious garlic parmesan essence.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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