Garlic Parmesan Rice with Chicken

This garlic Parmesan rice with chicken is a reliable weeknight dinner that feels like a treat but comes together with everyday ingredients. The creamy, buttery rice paired with tender chicken makes for a comforting meal that your family will ask for again and again.

I first made this after a long day when I wanted something cozy but quick and it instantly became a favorite in my meal rotation.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders: seasoned with garlic powder salt and pepper for juicy flavorful bites that cook evenly
• Olive oil: is the base for browning the chicken providing a subtle fruity note
• Unsalted butter: carrying the garlic and red pepper flakes for a luscious sauce without overwhelming saltiness
• Minced garlic: fresh or jarred garlic works fine but fresh delivers that vibrant aroma
• Dry white wine: like Pinot Grigio adds depth and a light acidity to balance the richness
• Uncooked white rice: soaks up all the buttery sauce and chicken broth making every grain tender
• Chicken broth: is preferred over water for a savory boost
• Grated Parmesan cheese: for that nutty salty finish select freshly grated for best melt and flavor

Instructions

Build The Base:

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Season chicken tenders with salt pepper and garlic powder. Sauté until browned on all sides and just cooked through about five to seven minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside to prevent overcooking.

Create The Sauce:

In the same skillet add unsalted butter minced garlic red pepper flakes and half a teaspoon salt. Sauté the garlic gently over medium heat for two minutes until fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the butter with garlic flavor.

Deglaze And Reduce:

Turn heat to medium-high. Pour in the dry white wine stirring to loosen any browned bits stuck to the pan. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce for about five minutes until slightly thickened concentrating the flavors.

Cook The Rice:

Add the uncooked white rice to the skillet and stir well to coat each grain with the buttery sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the remaining half teaspoon of salt. Bring this mixture to a low boil then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check tenderness.

Finish And Rest:

Once the rice is tender and creamy sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the rice. Arrange the cooked chicken tenders on top then cover the skillet tightly. Remove from heat and let it rest for five minutes allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt beautifully.

Serve With Flair:

Spoon the reserved three tablespoons of sauce over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like for a pop of color and freshness.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and creaminess in the rice. Avoid microwave overheating to keep the chicken tender.

Ingredient Swaps

Use chicken thighs instead of tenders if you prefer dark meat. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through. If you want to make it vegetarian swap broth for vegetable broth and omit chicken add sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies for heartiness. Dry sherry or a mild vermouth can replace the white wine in the sauce with good results.

Serving Ideas

Serve alongside steamed green beans or a crisp mixed salad to balance the richness of the dish. A squeeze of fresh lemon on the side can brighten the flavors just before eating. Garlic bread or crusty baguette works well if you want to sop up any extra sauce.

Cultural Context

Rice dishes with garlic and cheese are popular comfort foods in many European homes particularly in Italian American cuisine. Incorporating wine in cooking elevates the flavor but also reflects a tradition of using local wines to deepen savory sauces.

This dish combines simplicity and comfort in every bite making it a delightful addition to your family meals.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Season the chicken evenly and sauté it on medium heat just until cooked through to maintain juiciness and tender texture.

→ Can I use a different type of rice?

Long-grain white rice works best for this dish, but jasmine rice can be a fragrant alternative. Adjust cooking liquid accordingly.

→ What does the white wine add to the dish?

The dry white wine brightens the sauce with subtle acidity and depth, balancing the richness of butter and cheese.

→ Is there a way to make the garlic flavor more pronounced?

Minced garlic is gently sautéed in butter until fragrant, ensuring it infuses the sauce without becoming bitter or overpowering.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

You can cook the rice and chicken in advance, then gently reheat, adding reserved sauce to refresh flavors before serving.