Do Share Recipe

I just finished making this chicken with garlic parmesan rice, and my kitchen smells absolutely incredible. It’s one of those recipes I turn to on a busy weeknight because it feels so comforting and special without requiring a ton of effort.

The chicken is perfectly tender, and the rice is just bursting with flavor from the garlic, white wine, and parmesan. This dish has quickly become a staple in my home, and I’m so excited to share how you can make this simple, yet elegant meal yourself.

Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

Ingredients

This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a rich and flavorful meal. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

1 lb. chicken tenders – These cook quickly and stay tender, but you can also use chicken breasts sliced into strips.
Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning the chicken.
½ teaspoon garlic powder – This adds a foundational layer of garlic flavor to the chicken before it even hits the pan.
2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken and getting a nice golden-brown crust.
½ cup butter (1 stick) – This is the base of the rich pan sauce. Feel free to reduce the amount if you prefer a lighter dish.
2 tablespoons minced garlic – Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, so I recommend avoiding the jarred kind if possible.
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes – This adds a very subtle warmth to the dish without making it spicy.
1 teaspoon salt, divided – Half for the sauce and half for the rice to ensure everything is seasoned properly.
½ cup dry white wine – A crisp Pinot Grigio or Chablis works best. It deglazes the pan and adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
1 ½ cups uncooked white rice – Long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmine is ideal because the grains stay separate and fluffy.
3 cups chicken broth – This is what the rice will absorb as it cooks, infusing it with savory flavor.
½ cup Parmesan cheese – For the best results, grate your own from a block. It melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.

Note: This recipe makes enough for about 4 servings.

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to your tastes or dietary needs.

Go Lighter on Butter: Many have found this dish just as delicious with less butter. You can easily cut the amount in half or even use just one or two tablespoons for a lighter sauce.
Substitute the Grains: If you’re not a fan of white rice or want to add more protein, quinoa is an excellent substitute that works well with these flavors.
Use Turkey: This recipe is also fantastic with turkey tenderloins instead of chicken for a slightly different flavor profile.
Non-Alcoholic Version: If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth. For a similar tangy flavor, add a tablespoon or two of fresh lemon juice to the broth.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large Skillet: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet is essential for cooking everything evenly, from searing the chicken to simmering the rice.
Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping the garlic and slicing chicken breasts if you are not using tenders.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you have the right proportions for a perfectly balanced dish.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring the rice and making sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.

How to Make Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice

This one-pan meal comes together in just a few straightforward steps. Follow along to create this delicious dinner.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

First, heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Create the Saucy Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and half a teaspoon of salt. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. This step builds a wonderfully aromatic foundation for the rice.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Turn the heat up to medium-high and pour in the white wine. Let it simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor. Before moving on, set aside about 3 tablespoons of this pan sauce to use for drizzling at the end.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the remaining butter sauce and stir until the grains are fully coated. Pour in the chicken broth and the remaining half teaspoon of salt, then bring the mixture to a low boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. It’s a good idea to stir it a few times while cooking to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Final Assembly

Once the rice is cooked, arrange the chicken tenders on top. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and rice. Cover the skillet, remove it from the heat, and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together.

Before serving, drizzle the reserved pan sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. While this dish is a complete meal, if you enjoy exploring different chicken recipes, a classic king ranch chicken casserole recipe is another comforting option for a family dinner.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this dish several times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate it.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When you cook the chicken, make sure there is enough space between the tenders. This helps them get a beautiful, golden-brown sear instead of just steaming. If needed, I cook the chicken in two batches.
Use Real Wine: I can’t stress this enough—avoid “cooking wine.” A decent drinking wine like Pinot Grigio will add a much cleaner, richer flavor. You don’t need an expensive bottle, just something you would be happy to sip on.
Let it Rest: That final 5-minute rest after adding the cheese is crucial. It gives the chicken time to absorb some of the steam from the rice, making it extra moist, and allows the cheese to get perfectly melty.
Fresh Herbs are Key: While dried parsley works in a pinch, I find that a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese beautifully.

How to Serve Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice?

This dish is a fantastic one-pan meal that stands on its own, but you can also pair it with a few simple sides. A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing or some steamed green beans would be a perfect complement.

When plating, I like to serve a few chicken tenders alongside a generous scoop of the garlic parmesan rice. For a final touch, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little extra grated Parmesan cheese on top.

This simple presentation makes the dish look as good as it tastes. For a truly satisfying meal, you could even follow it up with a decadent dessert like a strawberry crunch cheesecake recipe.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving. Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

Calories: 737
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 59g
Fat: 37g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is great for meal prep and leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly.

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The rice will continue to soak up the sauce, so it may become a bit denser over time, but it will still be delicious.
Freeze: You can freeze this dish for longer storage. Place individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, place the chicken and rice in a saucepan over low heat. I recommend adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the rice and prevent it from drying out as it warms up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this chicken and rice dish will become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Simple and Quick: This meal comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and homemade.
Full of Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, white wine, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, savory sauce that makes every bite incredibly delicious. It tastes like a dish you’d get at a restaurant.
Budget-Friendly: Using common ingredients like chicken and rice, this recipe helps you create a hearty meal for the whole family without breaking the bank. For those who enjoy slow-cooked meals, a crockpot chicken parmesan soup recipe is another great way to make a little go a long way.
Highly Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Reduce the butter, swap the grain, or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to make it your own.

Ben Carraoli