Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice

The aroma of sizzling garlic butter enveloping tender chicken breasts, paired with creamy Parmesan rice is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice combines simple ingredients to create a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The rich, buttery sauce coats each piece of chicken perfectly, while the Parmesan-infused rice soaks up all those delicious flavors. You’ll learn how to create this elegant yet comforting meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice is destined to become a family favorite for so many reasons. The chicken breasts cook to juicy perfection while developing a golden-brown exterior that seals in all the moisture. The contrast between the tender chicken and the creamy rice creates a textural symphony that makes each bite satisfying.

What makes this dish truly special is the garlic butter sauce – it’s rich and velvety with just the right amount of garlic punch that complements rather than overwhelms. The Parmesan rice isn’t just a side; it’s an essential component that elevates the entire meal with its creamy texture and subtle nuttiness.

Perhaps best of all, this impressive dish comes together in just one pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor as the rice absorbs all the savory chicken juices. It’s the perfect balance of sophisticated flavor and everyday convenience that makes even novice cooks feel like culinary experts.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs or 900g)
• 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter
• 6 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tbsp)
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Parmesan Rice:

• 1 1/2 cups (300g) long-grain white rice
• 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste

The quality of Parmesan makes a significant difference in this garlic butter chicken recipe – opt for freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano rather than pre-packaged varieties for the most authentic flavor. Similarly, using fresh garlic rather than garlic powder for the chicken creates a more aromatic and robust garlic butter sauce.

Pro Tips

Use Room Temperature Chicken: Take your chicken breasts out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking. Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly and stays juicier than cold chicken that goes straight from fridge to pan. This simple step prevents the common problem of chicken that’s overcooked on the outside but undercooked in the center.

Perfect the Garlic Butter Timing: For the most flavorful garlic butter chicken, add the garlic to the melted butter only after the chicken has browned. Cooking garlic too long can make it bitter, but adding it at this stage creates the perfect infusion while keeping its aromatic properties intact. When the garlic becomes fragrant (about 30 seconds), you’ve hit the sweet spot.

Rice Resting Period: After your Parmesan rice is cooked, resist the urge to serve immediately. Instead, remove it from heat, add the Parmesan and cream, then cover and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and the cheese to melt completely, resulting in that perfect creamy consistency that makes this chicken with Parmesan rice dish truly exceptional.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. The seasoning should form a light coating that will help develop a flavorful crust. Pat the seasonings into the meat to ensure they adhere well during cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot pan, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through (internal temperature around 155°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and dried Italian herbs, stirring constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. The aroma will tell you when it’s perfect—intensely garlicky but not acrid or burnt.

Step 4: Begin the Rice
Push the garlic butter mixture to one side of the pan and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the empty side. Once melted, add the rice and stir to coat each grain with the butter. Toast the rice for 2 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent around the edges. This toasting step is crucial for developing the nutty undertones in your Parmesan rice.

Step 5: Combine and Cook
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the garlic powder and a pinch of salt. Return the chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes until the rice has absorbed the liquid and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan
Remove the pan from heat. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate. Stir the heavy cream and grated Parmesan into the rice until fully incorporated and creamy. Return the chicken to the pan, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve your completed Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice.

Variations

Mediterranean Garlic Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Rice: Transform this garlic butter chicken into a Mediterranean delight by adding 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives to the rice. Finish with crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan and garnish with fresh oregano. The tangy tomatoes and olives create a wonderful contrast to the rich garlic butter.

Lemon Herb Garlic Chicken: For a lighter, brighter version, add the zest and juice of one lemon to the garlic butter sauce. Incorporate fresh herbs like dill, basil, and extra parsley into both the chicken seasoning and the finished rice. This variation is particularly refreshing during summer months and pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine.

Dairy-Free Option: This delicious chicken and rice dish can be adapted for those avoiding dairy by substituting olive oil for butter in the chicken preparation and using coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the rice. Nutritional yeast can replace the Parmesan cheese, offering a similar nutty flavor while keeping the dish completely dairy-free.

Storage and Serving

Storage: This Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For best results, store the chicken and rice separately to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy. When freezing, cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers where it will maintain quality for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To maintain the chicken’s juiciness, reheat it gently in a covered skillet with a tablespoon of water or broth. The rice benefits from a splash of cream or broth when reheating to restore its creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions: Pair this garlic butter chicken recipe with roasted asparagus or broccoli for a complete meal with vibrant color contrast. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers a peppery freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish. For an elegant presentation, serve the chicken sliced on top of the rice and garnish with additional grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a hint of heat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this garlic butter chicken recipe. They typically require the same cooking time but offer more moisture and flavor. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

My rice turned out too mushy. What went wrong?
Rice texture is affected by the rice-to-liquid ratio. Different rice varieties absorb liquid differently. For firmer rice, reduce the broth by 1/4 cup. Also, avoid lifting the lid during cooking, which releases steam and affects the cooking process.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes! Prepare the dish up to the point of adding the Parmesan and cream. Refrigerate separately, then reheat the rice on the stovetop with a splash of broth, add the Parmesan and cream, and warm the chicken separately before combining to serve.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
To reduce calories, use half the butter, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, and use part-skim mozzarella with a smaller amount of Parmesan for the Parmesan rice. These modifications will maintain flavor while cutting down on fat content.

What wine pairs well with this dish?
A medium-bodied Chardonnay complements the creamy, buttery flavors perfectly. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir works nicely with the garlic and herb notes without overwhelming the chicken.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice is comfort food at its finest — rich, creamy, and bursting with savory garlic butter flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, yet requires minimal effort to prepare. The combination of juicy chicken and creamy, cheesy rice creates a meal that satisfies both sophisticated palates and picky eaters alike. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality results from your own kitchen.

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