Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl: a creamy, garlicky rice studded with tender chicken pieces and finished with plenty of Parmesan. It’s one of those recipes that delivers pure comfort with every bite, and it comes together in just one pan. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving something cozy for yourself, this recipe is destined to become your new weeknight go-to.

Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple, honest ingredients that work together to create magic. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s boosting flavor, adding creaminess, or bringing a pop of color to your Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Tender, juicy pieces of chicken soak up all those garlicky, cheesy flavors. Thighs add extra richness, but breasts work beautifully too.
Olive oil: A little olive oil gets the chicken beautifully golden and keeps everything from sticking.
Unsalted butter: Butter brings out the best in garlic and adds a creamy, lush base for the rice.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is the heart of this dish, infusing every grain of rice with savory aroma.
Long-grain white rice: The perfect canvas for all the flavors, long-grain rice stays fluffy and soaks up the broth.
Chicken broth: Using broth instead of water is the secret to deeply savory, flavorful rice.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the rice, giving it that irresistible cheesy tang.
Heavy cream (optional): For those nights you want extra creaminess, a splash of cream takes this dish over the top.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Dried thyme or Italian seasoning: Just a hint adds warmth and an herby note that makes the dish sing.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of parsley at the end brightens everything up and adds a fresh finish.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chicken pieces, season generously with salt, pepper, and thyme (or Italian seasoning), and let them cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want the chicken to get golden and cooked through, soaking up those herb and spice flavors. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside—don’t worry, it’ll get even tastier when it goes back in.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Toast the Rice

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and toss in the minced garlic. The moment that garlicky aroma hits your nose, you know you’re on the right track! Sauté for just a minute or two, then add the uncooked rice. Stir the rice around to coat every grain in the garlicky butter, giving it a subtle nutty flavor as it toasts for another minute or so.

Step 3: Simmer the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor gold! Bring everything to a simmer, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. You’ll start to see the transformation into a creamy, savory base.

Step 4: Stir in Parmesan, Cream, and Chicken

Once the rice is cooked and fluffy, it’s time for the magic touches. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a splash of heavy cream if you’re feeling indulgent. Then, add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Mix everything gently so the flavors combine and the whole dish becomes irresistibly creamy and cheesy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top. This final touch not only adds a burst of color but also a fresh, herby note that balances the richness of the Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken. Serve hot and enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but don’t be afraid to add a little extra Parmesan on top for good measure. If you want a pop of color and flavor, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil can make your Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but it also plays well with others. Try serving Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken alongside a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or buttery garlic bread. The freshness of the sides balances out the creaminess of the main dish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, pile the rice high in a large shallow bowl and scatter extra herbs and shaved Parmesan over the top for a restaurant-worthy look. Or, for a fun twist, spoon the rice into individual ramekins and bake briefly with a Parmesan crust until golden and bubbling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Your Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or a second round of comfort food.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions for later, let the dish cool and pack it into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to one month. Just know that the rice may soften a bit when thawed, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to the rice and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir often to keep it creamy and prevent it from drying out. If you like, add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or herbs to revive that just-cooked taste.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just be aware that brown rice will need a bit more liquid and a longer cooking time. The nutty flavor of brown rice pairs nicely with the garlic and Parmesan, so it’s a great swap if you prefer whole grains.

What can I use instead of chicken?

You can easily substitute the chicken with shrimp, cooked sausage, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times so everything stays tender and flavorful.

How do I make Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken extra creamy?

For an ultra-creamy texture, don’t skip the heavy cream at the end, and feel free to add a bit more Parmesan. You can also stir in a handful of baby spinach or peas for added silkiness and nutrition.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken can be gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and double-check that your Parmesan is gluten-free. Many brands are, but it’s always good to check the label.

Can I make this dish ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! It reheats beautifully, making it a smart choice for meal prep. Just store individual portions and add a splash of broth when you reheat to keep the rice nice and creamy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and a little bit special, Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken is your answer. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to share, and it’s sure to win over anyone who tries it. Give it a whirl in your kitchen—I promise, it’ll become a favorite!

Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken, featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed with garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese, combined with perfectly cooked rice for an easy, comforting stovetop meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon
Dried thyme or Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon

Rice and Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for creamier texture)

Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the chicken: In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and thyme, and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté garlic: In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Toast the rice: Stir the uncooked rice into the garlic butter mixture. Toast the rice for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the rice evenly and enhance its flavor.
Cook the rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
Combine and finish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream (if using), and the cooked chicken pieces. Mix everything until creamy, well combined, and heated through.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For a one-pot meal, add a handful of baby spinach or peas at the end of cooking to boost nutrition and color.
Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Use gluten-free chicken broth and Parmesan cheese to keep the recipe gluten-free.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American