Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This skillet chicken with garlic parmesan rice combines tender golden chicken with creamy, flavorful rice for a complete meal that comes together in just 35 minutes. The simple ingredients create an impressive dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

I created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something satisfying but simple. It has since become my go to meal when friends drop by unexpectedly they always think I went to much more trouble than I actually did.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders: 1 pound of these quick cooking cuts provide perfect portion sizes and cook evenly
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons creates the ideal searing surface without burning like butter alone might
• Butter: 1 stick adds incredible richness and helps create that gorgeous golden crust on the chicken
• Salt and pepper: to taste essential for bringing out the flavors in both the chicken and rice
• Rice: 1 cup of long grain white rice makes the perfect base for absorbing all the delicious flavors
• Water: 1 cup for perfectly cooked rice that remains distinct and fluffy
• Parmesan cheese: freshly grated provides nutty depth and creamy texture to the rice
• Garlic: fresh minced cloves deliver punchy flavor that mellows beautifully as it cooks into the rice
• Optional fresh herbs: like parsley or thyme for garnish add brightness and color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Skillet:

Heat your large skillet over medium heat then add the olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt completely until it starts to foam slightly but not brown. This combination gives you the flavor of butter with the higher smoke point of olive oil.

Season And Cook The Chicken:

Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels first for better browning then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them carefully in the hot skillet without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 5 7 minutes until deeply golden on the first side before flipping. Cook another 5 7 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and has a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Start The Rice:

While the chicken cooks begin your rice in a separate pot. Combine rice and water bring to a full rolling boil then immediately reduce to the lowest simmer setting. Cover with a tight fitting lid and set a timer for 15 minutes. Resist the urge to peek as escaping steam will affect cooking time.

Finish The Rice:

Once the rice has absorbed all the water turn off the heat but keep the lid on for another 5 minutes to steam. Fluff with a fork then stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and minced garlic while the rice is still hot. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese and take the raw edge off the garlic while maintaining its flavor.

Plate And Serve:

Spoon the fragrant garlic parmesan rice onto plates creating a bed for the chicken. Place the golden chicken tenders on top and spoon any remaining butter sauce from the skillet over everything. Finish with additional parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

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The key to this dish is the quality of your parmesan cheese. I learned years ago that freshly grated parmesan makes an enormous difference compared to the pre grated stuff in the green canister. My grandmother taught me this trick and whenever I make this dish I think of her kitchen filled with the aroma of garlic and butter.

Make Ahead Options

This recipe works beautifully for meal prep. You can prepare the entire dish then portion it into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors actually develop nicely after a day in the refrigerator. Simply reheat in the microwave for about 2 minutes or until heated through.

Perfect Pairings

A simple green vegetable is all you need to complete this meal. I love serving it with steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The brightness cuts through the richness of the dish and adds beautiful color to your plate.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer dark meat boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe just increase cooking time by about 2 3 minutes per side. For a lighter version you can reduce the butter by half and it will still taste wonderful. Brown rice can substitute for white rice but youll need to adjust cooking time according to package directions typically 35 45 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Cook the chicken over medium heat and avoid overcooking. Ensure it's fully cooked but still moist by monitoring the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C).

→ Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked or leftover chicken. Simply reheat it gently and pair it with the freshly prepared garlic parmesan rice.

→ What type of rice works best for this dish?

Long-grain rice such as jasmine or basmati works best as they cook up fluffy and absorb flavors well. Avoid using sticky or glutinous rice for this recipe.

→ Can I substitute the parmesan cheese?

Yes, you can substitute parmesan with other hard cheeses like pecorino romano or asiago for a similar flavor profile.

→ How do I enhance the garlic flavor in the rice?

You can sauté the minced garlic in olive oil or butter before mixing it into the cooked rice for a richer, more pronounced garlic flavor.

→ What garnish works well for this dish?

Fresh parsley, additional grated parmesan cheese, or even a squeeze of lemon can enhance the dish's flavors and presentation.