Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe
When you’re craving something hearty and full of flavor, Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is the ultimate solution. This dish combines crispy chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and a creamy, garlicky sauce that ties everything together. The garlic infuses the chicken with rich, savory flavors, while the Parmesan adds a layer of indulgent, salty goodness. It’s a dish that feels comforting yet elegant, making it ideal for family dinners, weeknight meals, or even for entertaining guests.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few staple ingredients like chicken, garlic, Parmesan, and rice, you can create a satisfying meal that everyone will love. You can easily customize it to suit your taste, and it’s quick enough for a weekday dinner but impressive enough for special occasions.
Equipment:
- Large skillet (for cooking chicken)
- Medium saucepan (for cooking rice)
- Small saucepan or skillet (for making garlic Parmesan sauce)
- Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended to ensure perfectly cooked chicken)
- Tongs or spatula (for flipping chicken)
- Knife and cutting board
- Stirring spoon or spatula
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
The first step is to get the chicken ready. Seasoning it well and searing it to a crispy, golden-brown finish adds an incredible amount of flavor.
- Season the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps to get a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika. The combination of spices will give the chicken a balanced flavor with hints of garlic and smokiness.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a plate for about 5 minutes. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist. While the chicken rests, we’ll move on to the rice and sauce.
2. Cook the Rice
Rice serves as the base of this dish and should be fluffy, tender, and well-seasoned. Here’s how to cook it:
- Rinse the Rice: Begin by rinsing the rice under cold water for a minute or two to remove excess starch. This helps the rice cook up fluffy and prevents it from being too sticky.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, butter, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir the ingredients together, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Rice: Once the broth comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes. Do not lift the lid while it’s cooking, as this can affect the texture of the rice. After 15 minutes, check the rice. If the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender, it’s done. If not, cover and cook for a few more minutes.
- Fluff the Rice: Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
The garlic Parmesan sauce is what brings this dish to life with its creamy, flavorful goodness. Here’s how to make it:
- Sauté the Garlic: In a small skillet or saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Add the Cream: Once the garlic is sautéed, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Lower the heat to medium-low, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and season it with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). The red pepper flakes will give the sauce a subtle heat, but you can leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes to thicken to your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or cream to thin it out.
4. Combine Everything
Once all the components are cooked, it’s time to bring everything together:
- Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference. This makes it easier to serve and ensures that each bite has a good amount of chicken.
- Assemble the Dish: In a large serving dish or plate, place a generous portion of the fluffy rice as the base. Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the rice. Then, pour the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken and rice, ensuring everything is covered with that delicious sauce.
- Garnish: For a final touch, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley. The parsley adds a nice color contrast and a burst of freshness that complements the rich sauce.
- Serve: Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice immediately, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a much better flavor and texture than pre-grated cheese. It melts more smoothly and adds a richer taste to the sauce.
- Customize the Rice: Feel free to customize the rice with your favorite seasonings or herbs. You can add a pinch of thyme, rosemary, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
- Add Veggies: If you want to make the dish even more nutritious, you can add vegetables to the rice or sauce. Broccoli, spinach, or peas are great options that complement the flavors of the garlic and Parmesan.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce or sprinkle some chili powder over the chicken.
- Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to rehydrate the rice and sauce.
Variations and Add-Ins
While this recipe is already delicious on its own, here are some variations you can try:
- Chicken Thighs: For a richer, juicier option, substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts. They will stay tender and moist throughout the cooking process and add more flavor.
- Cheese Variations: For a twist, you can mix in other cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda. A blend of cheeses will create a unique flavor profile that’s even more indulgent.
- Lemon Zest: Add a little lemon zest to the sauce to give it a fresh, citrusy note that pairs wonderfully with the creamy Parmesan.
- Bacon or Ham: For extra richness and flavor, add some crispy bacon or diced ham to the rice or the sauce. The smoky flavor will add depth to the dish.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce. Chop up a few and stir them into the sauce for a burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to this rich dish. The freshness of the salad will balance out the creamy richness of the chicken and rice.
- Garlic Bread: Serve this dish with some warm, crispy garlic bread for a truly indulgent meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Steamed Veggies: Steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans would add a nutritious touch to the meal while complementing the garlic Parmesan flavor.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice recipe is an easy yet flavorful dish that combines creamy rice, savory chicken, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for any occasion and can easily be adapted to suit your preferences. With its simple ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe

Ingredients
- For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
- For the rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the rice:
- In a separate pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat the rice with the butter and garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or water), season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork.
3. Combine the chicken and rice:
- While the rice is cooking, melt the butter in the same skillet you used for the chicken over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring to combine with the butter and any leftover chicken bits for extra flavor.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat the rice in the Parmesan butter mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
4. Serve:
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and place on top of the rice.
- Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Serve hot and enjoy!