Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Rice Recipe

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when preparing this delectable garlic butter chicken with creamy parmesan rice.

Aromatic herbs dance around succulent chicken pieces, promising a meal that speaks directly to comfort.

Butter melts into golden pools, creating a rich landscape of flavor.

Parmesan’s sharp notes weave through tender rice grains, building complexity with each careful stir.

Simple ingredients collaborate beautifully, turning an ordinary dinner into something memorable.

Fresh garlic infuses warmth and depth, transforming humble components into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Rice Stands Out

• Savor Quick Comfort: Minimal prep and cooking steps make this chicken and rice dish a go-to meal for busy households looking for delicious, stress-free dinner solutions.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Layered ingredients like white wine, red pepper flakes, garlic, and Parmesan create a rich, restaurant-quality taste without complicated techniques.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Prepare the entire meal in a single pan, reducing cleanup time and kitchen mess while maintaining maximum flavor infusion throughout cooking process.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple substitutions or additions like different herbs, spices, or protein types to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Rice

• Chicken Tenders: Lean protein that creates the main dish foundation.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help achieve golden browning for the chicken and rice.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic seasonings that add depth and basic seasoning to the chicken.
• Minced Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Introduce bold, spicy, and aromatic elements to the dish.

• White Wine: Adds complexity and helps create a delicious pan sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional savory flavor for cooking the rice.

• White Rice: Serves as the creamy, starchy base that absorbs the delicious pan sauce and flavors.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Add final richness, saltiness, and a fresh herbal note to complete the dish.

Stepwise Guide for Garlic Butter Chicken Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear Chicken

Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook chicken until golden brown and completely cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Garlic Butter Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt

Sauté the mixture for 3 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Deglaze With White Wine

Increase heat to medium-high and pour in white wine.

Stir vigorously to combine with butter.

Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce by half, about 5 minutes.

Set aside 2 tablespoons of sauce for later.

Step 4: Cook Creamy Parmesan Rice

Add rice to the skillet and toast for 3-4 minutes until slightly golden.

Pour in chicken broth and remaining salt.

Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.

Stir occasionally during the first 15 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the rice.

Arrange chicken on top of rice and drizzle with reserved sauce.

Cover, remove from heat, and let rest for 5 minutes.

Optional: Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Best Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken Rice

• Keep a close eye on minced garlic and stir constantly to avoid scorching, which can make the sauce bitter and ruin the delicate flavor profile.
• Gently toast rice in butter before adding broth to develop a nutty flavor and prevent clumping, creating a more delectable side dish.
• Choose a dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc that complements the chicken's richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy protein without overcooking.
• If pan sauce reduces too quickly, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain desired consistency and prevent burning.

Flavor Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken Rice

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and use bone-in chicken thighs for added flavor and richness.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add za'atar seasoning to the chicken, use harissa paste instead of red pepper flakes, and incorporate quinoa for a protein-packed alternative.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free chicken broth, verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and serve with wild rice blend for added texture and nutrition.

Perfect Pairings for Garlic Butter Chicken Rice

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Arrange the chicken and rice on a large white platter, sprinkle extra parsley, and create a rustic yet sophisticated presentation that will impress guests.
• Cozy Family Meal Approach: Serve directly in the skillet for a homey, comforting feel that encourages family-style sharing and creates a warm dining atmosphere.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Slice the chicken and mix with rice for a delicious meal prep option that travels well in containers and reheats beautifully for a satisfying midday meal.
• Gourmet Salad Topper: Chop the chicken and sprinkle over a bed of mixed greens, using the pan sauce as a light dressing for a protein-packed and flavorful salad variation.

Storage Advice for Garlic Butter Chicken Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chicken and rice separately to maintain texture. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
• Place cooled chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly, label with date, and freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with fresh herbs.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water or chicken broth over rice and chicken. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Add a splash of chicken broth to a skillet. Warm chicken and rice over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Cover with lid to retain moisture and heat evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

• What can I substitute for white wine?

If you don’t have white wine, you can use chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, or even lemon juice mixed with a bit of water as a replacement. Each will add a different flavor profile to the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy because of the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a very mild heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount or omit them completely without affecting the overall flavor of the dish.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken mingles with creamy parmesan rice in this irresistible comfort dish straight from home kitchens. Savory flavors and rich textures combine to create a memorable meal that welcomes you to indulge in pure culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenderloins

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (divided)
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 stick (113 grams) butter (divided)
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by generously coating with seasoning blend, ensuring even coverage. Sear in preheated skillet over medium heat until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
2. Create aromatic base by melting butter and sautéing minced garlic with red pepper flakes. Toast ingredients for 2-3 minutes, releasing complex flavors without scorching.
3. Deglaze skillet with white wine, scraping browned bits from bottom. Reduce liquid by half, concentrating wine’s essence and creating rich pan sauce. Reserve small portion of sauce for final garnish.
4. Toast rice grains in same skillet, developing nutty undertones. Pour chicken broth, stirring to distribute seasonings. Simmer covered on low heat for 18-22 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become tender.
5. Finish dish by folding grated Parmesan into fluffy rice. Nestle cooked chicken atop rice, drizzle with reserved sauce. Let rest 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley for vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, garlicky flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure wine is gluten-free to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Toast rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance nutty undertones and prevent clumping, creating a more textured side dish.
• Select bone-in chicken thighs for extra moisture and deeper flavor if chicken tenders feel too lean or bland.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 593 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 1123 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 117 mg