Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a comforting and flavorful meal that combines tender, juicy chicken with creamy, garlicky rice, all seasoned with Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. The chicken is perfectly seared and paired with a rich, cheesy rice that soaks up all the delicious flavors. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation!

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the garlic Parmesan rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Cook the chicken:

1. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with the spice mixture.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the garlic Parmesan rice:

3. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
4. Cook the rice: Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the garlic butter. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. If the rice isn’t fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed, add a little more broth or water and continue cooking.
5. Finish the rice: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (if using). Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts into the rice, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.

Combine the chicken and rice:

6. Serve the chicken and rice: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and serve it on top of the garlic Parmesan rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve:

7. Enjoy: Serve the chicken and garlic Parmesan rice hot, with your favorite side salad or vegetables.

**Notes:

• Chicken Variations: You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
• Rice Alternatives: You can use brown rice instead of white rice, though it may require more cooking time and additional broth or water.
• Make-Ahead: You can prep the rice and cook the chicken ahead of time. Reheat the rice with a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
• Add-Ins: For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the rice for added depth and color.

Conclusion:

Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a simple, hearty, and comforting dish that’s full of flavor. The tender chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy garlic Parmesan rice, creating a meal everyone will love. This one-pan dish is quick to prepare, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners, but elegant enough to serve for special occasions. Give it a try for a satisfying and delicious meal!