If weeknights ever feel a little repetitive, Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is about to become your new hero dinner. This recipe wraps tender, juicy chicken breasts and creamy, dreamy Parmesan rice into one skillet — minimal effort, maximal reward. Packed with garlicky warmth and punctuated by fresh parsley, every bite is deeply satisfying yet light enough to leave you wanting seconds. Whether you’re craving comfort food or hosting friends and need a fail-proof main, Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice always delivers crowd-pleasing flavor with barely any cleanup.

Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is how every simple ingredient creates harmony in the pan. From basics like fresh garlic and pantry spices to creamy Parmesan cheese, each element brings something special to the dish’s irresistible flavor and texture.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean, protein-packed base and soak up all the savory seasonings.
Olive oil: This helps achieve a golden-brown sear on the chicken and lends a subtle, fruity depth.
Paprika: Adds a warm, just-spicy-enough note and a subtle red hue to the chicken.
Italian seasoning: Brings aromatic herbs like oregano and basil, giving the dish unmistakable flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Brighten up every component and help all the other spices sing.
Unsalted butter: Gives the rice its rich, velvety mouthfeel and amps up the flavor in every grain.
Garlic: Six cloves make the kitchen smell amazing and ensure a bold, garlicky backbone.
Long-grain white rice: Stays fluffy and distinct as it soaks in all the savory chicken broth and creamy add-ins.
Chicken broth: Deepens the rice’s flavor and keeps things ultra-moist and savory.
Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, almost risotto-like texture that puts this dish over the top.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best, adding sharp, nutty flavor and that irresistible creamy finish.
Fresh parsley: Sprinkled on at the end, it brightens up everything and adds a fresh, herby pop of green.

How to Make Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and sprinkling them evenly with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This quick rub not only promises flavor in every bite but also creates a simple crust for extra savoriness once seared.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, warm your olive oil until it shimmers. Add the seasoned chicken breasts, letting them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. You’re after a golden, almost crispy exterior and fully cooked centers—think juicy, not dry! Once ready, set them aside on a plate while you move to the next step.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Without wiping out the pan (all those tasty brown bits matter!), melt the unsalted butter. Toss in the minced garlic, sautéing gently for about a minute until it fills your kitchen with that wonderful fragrance—don’t let it brown, just let it soften and bloom.

Step 4: Toast the Rice

Pour the uncooked long-grain rice right into the skillet with the sizzling butter and garlic. Stir everything together and let the rice toast for 1 to 2 minutes. This little step adds a surprising layer of flavor and helps the grains stay separate and fluffy.

Step 5: Simmer the Rice

Pour in all the chicken broth, give it a quick stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover your skillet, and let it simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will soak up all the rich broth and become wonderfully tender.

Step 6: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Take off the lid, then stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. As you swirl it together, the whole thing will become gloriously creamy and decadent—almost risotto-like, but so much easier.

Step 7: Finish with Chicken and Parsley

Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, tucking them into the creamy rice. Sprinkle the chopped parsley across the top for a fresh, herby finish. Serve your Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice immediately while it’s bubbling and beautiful!

How to Serve Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but for extra flair, try a little more grated Parmesan or a touch of lemon zest right before serving. If you love a pop of color, a few halved cherry tomatoes or a handful of microgreens make the plate feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice stands strong on its own, but a crisp green or Caesar salad is the perfect refreshing contrast. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple plate of sautéed spinach also pair beautifully and balance the creamy rice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, cut the chicken breasts into thick slices and fan them over the bed of creamy rice for a more elegant presentation. You can also dish individual servings into shallow bowls, then drizzle the top with a little extra cream and a dusting of Parmesan for that cozy, bistro-style vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice will soak up more flavor overnight, and the chicken remains tender when stored properly.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, portion the cooled rice and chicken into freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the rice and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Cover during reheating to keep everything moist and prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and add extra chicken broth since brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid. Expect a chewier texture and a nuttier flavor—both are delicious!

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half makes a lovely, lighter alternative, or you can use plain whole milk if that’s what you have on hand. Just know the sauce will be a little less rich compared to using cream.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and imparts a bolder, nuttier flavor to Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice, but pre-shredded works in a pinch—just try to avoid the powdery kind for the best texture.

Can I make Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish tastes great reheated. Portion out into containers, keep refrigerated, and enjoy throughout the week. Just add a little broth or water when reheating to revive the creamy texture.

Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a flavorful, juicy option you can use with no other adjustments to the recipe. They pair beautifully with the creamy rice and savory spices.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about a one-skillet dinner that feels both comforting and impressive, and Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is all that and more. Gather your simple ingredients, let your kitchen fill with the aroma of garlic and cheese, and dive in. If you try it, I promise you’ll want it on repeat!

Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe is a delightful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken with creamy, flavorful rice. The chicken is seasoned to perfection and paired with a savory garlic Parmesan rice that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 garlic cloves (minced)
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice: Melt butter in the skillet, sauté garlic, add rice, pour in chicken broth, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
Finish the Dish: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy. Return chicken to the skillet and garnish with parsley before serving.