This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken coated in a buttery garlic sauce, nestled on top of creamy Parmesan-infused rice that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare, yet everything comes together in one pan in just 35 minutes.
There’s something about garlic butter that turns even the simplest ingredients into something special. The butter creates a silky-smooth sauce that clings to the chicken, while the garlic infuses deep, savory notes throughout the dish. Paired with creamy Parmesan rice, which soaks up every bit of that incredible flavor, this meal is next-level comfort food.
And the best part? It’s incredibly customizable! You can swap out the protein, use a different grain, or toss in some veggies for a fresh twist. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or making something special for guests, this dish never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are so many reasons this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice will become a staple in your kitchen:
- One-Pan Wonder – No extra pots or dishes to wash! Everything comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Rich, Buttery Flavor – The garlic butter sauce coats the chicken and rice, making every bite flavorful and indulgent.
- Creamy and Comforting – The Parmesan-infused rice turns incredibly soft and creamy, making it the perfect pairing for the juicy chicken.
- Quick and Easy – You only need 35 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love the mild, cheesy flavors of the rice and the juicy, well-seasoned chicken.
- Customizable – Swap out the protein, use a different type of cheese, add vegetables, or adjust the seasonings to your taste.
This dish is perfect for when you want something simple yet impressive—a meal that feels special without requiring complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small thighs)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
The Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
The Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati work best)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
- ½ teaspoon paprika – Adds a mild smoky depth to the chicken.
- ½ cup sautéed mushrooms or spinach – A great way to sneak in some extra veggies.
- Splash of lemon juice – Brightens up the garlic butter sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel—this step helps get a beautiful golden-brown sear when cooking.
- Season the chicken evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic can turn bitter if it cooks too long.
- Pour in ½ cup of the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These little bits add tons of flavor!
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes to let the sauce slightly reduce.
- If using, stir in the red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
3. Cook the Parmesan Rice
- Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet, coating it in the garlic butter sauce.
- Pour in the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Avoid stirring too much to keep the rice fluffy.
4. Combine and Serve
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a little extra butter for that extra creamy, indulgent finish.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it on top of the rice.
- Cover and let everything sit for 5 minutes, so the flavors can meld together beautifully.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice
- Don’t overcook the chicken – Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for juicy, tender meat.
- Use fresh garlic – Pre-minced garlic lacks the depth of fresh, hand-minced garlic.
- Let the rice fully absorb the broth – Stirring too much can cause the rice to become sticky.
- Balance the saltiness – Parmesan is naturally salty, so taste the rice before adding extra salt.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a drizzle of olive oil at the end.
Variations and Customizations
Protein Swaps:
- Shrimp – Shrimp cooks quickly and soaks up the garlic butter flavor beautifully.
- Turkey tenderloins or beef strips – Both are excellent alternatives for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian option – Use mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas in place of the chicken.
Grain Alternatives:
- Brown rice – Adds extra fiber (increase cooking time by 10-15 minutes).
- Quinoa – High in protein and has a slightly nutty taste.
- Cauliflower rice – A great low-carb alternative.
Extra Flavor Boosts:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
- Stir in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for extra aroma.
- Finish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some spice.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Portion out the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months and label with the date.
Reheating Instructions:
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Stovetop: Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will be even juicier, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or water (just add a little extra seasoning if using water).
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and rice separately and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat everything in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture of the rice.
How can I make this dish lower in calories?
To lighten it up, you can:
- Use less butter (reduce to 1 tablespoon for the sauce).
- Opt for low-fat Parmesan or cut the cheese amount in half.
- Swap white rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs, as it has less fat.
What can I serve with this dish?
While this meal is satisfying on its own, you can pair it with:
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini.
- Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try This Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, comforting, and full of rich, buttery flavor, this GCreamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice is it. The creamy, cheesy rice pairs beautifully with the savory garlic butter chicken, making every bite feel like a hug in a bowl.
Try it out and let me know how you customize it! Would you add extra spice? Swap the protein? I’d love to hear your version! Tag me on social media with your delicious creations!
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Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich, creamy, and savory one-pan meal featuring tender chicken in a buttery garlic sauce, served over Parmesan-infused rice. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small thighs)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season and sear the chicken in olive oil until golden brown (6-7 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, deglaze with broth, and let simmer.
- Cook the Rice: Stir uncooked rice into the sauce, add broth, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Stir in Parmesan and butter, return chicken to the skillet, and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Make it spicy by increasing red pepper flakes.
- Swap proteins like shrimp or turkey for variety.
- For a lighter version, reduce butter and use cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired