If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor yet surprisingly easy to make, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together tender chicken pieces seasoned with a perfect blend of garlic and paprika, creamy Parmesan cheese, and fluffy rice all cooked in one pot to create a luscious, satisfying dinner. It’s a guaranteed hit whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, offering that warm, homemade feel that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and richness that elevate this humble one-pot meal into something truly special.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these provide tender and juicy protein that absorbs all the delicious seasonings.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and a beautiful color to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Infuses the dish with that unmistakable garlic punch and a touch of savory seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Offers just the right amount of heat to balance the creamy elements.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melts into the dish to create a rich base for sautéing and adds a silky texture.
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced: Brings sweetness and body to the rice as it softens and caramelizes.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Intensifies the garlic flavor for that iconic garlicky aroma and taste.
- 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice: The star carbohydrate that soaks up all the savory broth and cheese flavors perfectly.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Provides the essential liquid for cooking the rice and deepens the overall flavor with meaty richness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty creaminess that binds the dish together at the end, plus extra for garnish.
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream: Brings luscious creaminess that makes this recipe irresistibly silky and decadent.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, bright garnish to lift the dish visually and offer a pop of color.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken pieces with paprika, garlic salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning is the secret to infusing the chicken with vibrant flavor before it hits the pan, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned throughout the cooking process.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Cook Onions
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Then add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and slightly translucent. The onions build a flavorful base, delivering a gentle sweetness that complements the savory richness ahead.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add your seasoned chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden on all sides—approximately 5 minutes. While the chicken won’t be fully cooked yet, this step helps lock in its juices and develops that tantalizing browned flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Rice
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrance. Then pour in the uncooked long-grain white rice, stirring it well into the chicken and onions. This coats the rice with buttery goodness and garlic flavor, setting the stage for the next step.
Step 5: Pour in Chicken Broth and Simmer
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, stirring everything to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer undisturbed for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed. Be patient, as this slow cooking helps the rice absorb all those rich flavors, creating a creamy texture without needing extra steps.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Cream
Once the rice is perfectly tender, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy whipping cream until everything melts together in a velvety, creamy coating. This is the moment the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe truly shines — transforming into a luscious dish that’s both hearty and indulgent.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and some extra Parmesan cheese right before serving. These simple garnishes add a burst of color and a fresh flavor contrast that make every bite even more delightful.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and taste, don’t skip garnishing with a handful of chopped fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. The parsley brings brightness and freshness, while the extra cheese enhances the savory, creamy richness in every bite.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, green vegetable sides to add crunch and balance. Consider serving it alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli. These sides keep the meal well-rounded and colorful without overshadowing the star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual ramekins or small baking dishes with the garnish added just before serving. You can also sprinkle on some toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes if you want to add texture or a hint of heat. Another idea is to spoon it over a bed of garlic sautéed spinach for an elegant dinner plate experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even tend to meld together more as it rests, so leftovers can be just as delicious as freshly made.
Freezing
While this dish freezes okay, the creamy texture can change slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the creamy consistency. Stir often to prevent sticking and to evenly warm the garlic Parmesan chicken and rice throughout.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust the broth quantity and simmer time accordingly to ensure the rice cooks through without drying out the chicken.
Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat and tend to remain juicier, which can add extra flavor to the dish. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the recipe as instructed.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can! To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast, and swap heavy cream for coconut cream or an unsweetened plant-based cream. The flavors will still be wonderful, just slightly different.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
Feel free to toss in vegetables like peas, chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the cooking process. Add softer veggies towards the end to prevent overcooking and maintain their texture.
How do I know when the rice is perfectly cooked?
After simmering the mixture covered for the recommended 15 to 20 minutes, check the rice. It should be tender but not mushy, with all the broth absorbed. If there’s still liquid left, cook for a few more minutes, keeping the pot covered to allow the rice to finish steaming.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe truly ticks all the boxes for an effortless yet utterly delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for casual weeknights or cozy weekends and guarantees smiles all around the table. Give it a try—you’re going to love how the flavors meld into one extraordinary dish that feels both special and familiar.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken pieces seasoned with paprika and garlic salt, cooked with fragrant onions and garlic, then simmered with long-grain white rice in savory chicken broth. Finished with rich Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, this dish offers a flavorful, cheesy experience garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect for a hearty family dinner in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Cooking Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (277.5 g) uncooked long-grain white rice
- 3 cups (24 ounces / 720 g) chicken broth
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra for garnish
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Evenly coat the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic salt, and ground black pepper. Set the seasoned chicken aside for later use.
- Melt Butter in Pot: Place a large pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Cook Onion: Add the finely diced yellow onion to the melted butter in the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden on all sides, about 5 minutes. Note that the chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma and flavor.
- Incorporate Rice and Broth: Add the uncooked long-grain white rice and the chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with its lid, and let the mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. If needed, cook a few more minutes covered to absorb excess liquid.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy whipping cream until the cheese has melted and the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top for garnish. Serve immediately while warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use a pot with a tight-fitting lid to ensure proper simmering and moisture retention.
- If the rice isn’t fully cooked after the initial simmering, keep the pot covered and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the dish will be less creamy.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers better flavor than pre-grated versions.
- Make sure to stir in the cheese and cream only after removing the pot from heat to prevent curdling.
