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Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice

If there’s one dish I come back to again and again when I need comfort and flavor in the same bite, it’s Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice. I love how the tender chicken soaks up all the garlicky, buttery richness while the rice underneath catches every last drop of flavor. It’s the kind of skillet dinner that feels indulgent without requiring a mountain of ingredients or hours in the kitchen.

I first made this recipe on a cold evening when I was craving something hearty yet simple. With pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, it came together so effortlessly—and the first bite was pure magic. The chicken is juicy and perfectly golden, and the rice, with its nutty Parmesan kick and scattered herbs, is a meal in itself. It’s now a regular in my dinner rotation, and I have a feeling it will be in yours too.


Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice

This dish hits all the right notes: buttery, garlicky, crispy, and comforting. The chicken gets beautifully browned and infused with flavor, while the rice is creamy, cheesy, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, it delivers restaurant-quality results without the stress. Plus, it all comes together in one pan—less mess, more flavor.


What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice?

For this recipe, I usually go with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenderloins. They stay juicy, cook quickly, and absorb the garlic butter beautifully. Chicken breasts are a great option too, especially if you prefer leaner meat—just be sure not to overcook them so they don’t dry out. If you’re in a hurry, pre-cut chicken strips from the grocery store work perfectly fine.

The key is to keep the chicken pieces relatively small and uniform in size so they cook evenly and get that lovely golden sear.


Options for Substitutions

There are plenty of ways to adapt this dish to suit your preferences or pantry:

  • Chicken: Swap with turkey cutlets or even shrimp for a lighter, seafood twist.
  • Rice: Use brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even orzo if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Parmesan: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano makes great alternatives with a similar sharpness.
  • Butter: Feel free to use ghee or a dairy-free butter substitute for a lighter or dairy-free version.
  • Herbs: Parsley is classic, but basil, chives, or thyme all add great flavor.

These substitutions can help you customize the dish without losing the essence of that creamy, garlicky, buttery goodness.


Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice

Each ingredient in this dish plays a role in building deep, comforting flavor—from the aromatic garlic to the creamy cheese.

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Tenderloins – These cook quickly and stay juicy, absorbing the buttery garlic flavor perfectly.
  • Salt and Black Pepper – Basic seasoning that enhances every other flavor in the dish.
  • Garlic (minced) – The star of the show; it brings that rich, bold aroma and taste that defines the dish.
  • Butter – Gives the chicken a golden sear and creates the flavorful base for the rice.
  • Olive Oil – Helps with even browning and adds depth to the flavor.
  • Long-Grain White Rice – A soft, fluffy base that catches all the flavorful juices.
  • Chicken Broth – Infuses the rice with savory richness and keeps it from tasting bland.
  • Parmesan Cheese (grated) – Adds a nutty, salty finish to the rice, making it creamy and indulgent.
  • Onion (finely chopped) – Sautéed with garlic to bring sweetness and round out the flavor.
  • Diced Red Bell Pepper – For a pop of color and subtle sweetness in the rice.
  • Fresh Parsley – A fresh, vibrant garnish that balances the richness of the dish.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a mix of butter and olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through—about 4–5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove and set aside.


Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean—you want all that flavor), melt a bit more butter. Add the chopped onions and bell pepper, and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute.


Step 3: Cook the Rice

Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet with the aromatics, letting it toast for a minute or two. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.


Step 4: Simmer and Finish

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces on top of the rice. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let everything cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.


Step 5: Add Parmesan and Garnish

Once cooked, sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly over the rice, cover again for 2 minutes to melt the cheese slightly, then gently fluff with a fork. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.


How Long to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice

From start to finish, this dish takes about 35 to 40 minutes:

  • Searing the Chicken: 8–10 minutes
  • Sautéing Aromatics: 5 minutes
  • Cooking the Rice and Simmering: 18–20 minutes
  • Finishing Touches: 2–3 minutes

It’s a perfect choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner that doesn’t feel rushed.


Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice

  • Use a Large Skillet with a Lid: This allows for even cooking and ensures the rice steams properly.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if needed to get that nice golden crust.
  • Toast the Rice First: Just a minute or two of toasting adds a subtle nutty flavor and improves the texture.
  • Use Warm Broth: It helps the rice cook more evenly and reduces simmer time.
  • Grate Fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese can be waxy—freshly grated melts beautifully and adds more flavor.
  • Let It Rest Before Serving: A few minutes of rest allows the flavors to settle and the rice to firm up slightly.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple dishes like this one can go sideways with a few missteps. Here’s what to avoid:

  • Using Cold Chicken: If the chicken is straight from the fridge, it won’t sear properly. Let it sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes first.
  • Not Drying the Chicken: Moisture on the surface leads to steaming, not browning. Pat it dry before seasoning.
  • Rushing the Garlic: Garlic cooks fast—burnt garlic will ruin the flavor. Stir it in at the end of sautéing.
  • Stirring the Rice While It Cooks: Once the broth is in, leave it alone. Stirring can make it mushy.
  • Lifting the Lid Too Soon: Traps the steam needed to fully cook the rice—keep that lid on until the time is up.
  • Skipping the Rest Time: Letting the dish sit for a few minutes before serving helps everything settle and intensifies the flavor.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice?

This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are some great pairings:

Garlic Roasted Green Beans

A simple veggie side with bright flavor that complements the buttery richness of the chicken.

Lemon-Dressed Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula with a citrusy vinaigrette adds freshness and contrast.

Crusty Bread or Garlic Knots

Perfect for mopping up that leftover garlic butter and cheesy rice.

Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Zest

Light and healthy, with just a bit of zing to balance the dish.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy and savory—mushrooms bring out the umami in the chicken and Parmesan.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cool, crunchy, and refreshing—a nice counterpoint to the warmth of the main dish.

Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

The nutty, roasted flavor of asparagus plays nicely with the cheesy rice.

A Glass of Chardonnay

If you’re in the mood for wine, this buttery white is a perfect pairing.


Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), they store really well for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The rice may absorb some of the moisture, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
  • Freezer: You can freeze portions for up to 2 months, though the texture of the rice may change slightly after thawing.
  • To Reheat: Microwave on medium power with a lid or cover to retain moisture, or reheat gently on the stove with a bit of butter or broth to revive the flavors.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: ~520
  • Protein: 36g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg
  • Sodium: 740mg
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g

Note: These are estimates and will vary based on specific brands and ingredient swaps.


Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of white rice?

You can swap in brown rice, quinoa, or even orzo. Just note that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the liquid and time.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook the entire dish, let it cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

You can, but the flavor won’t infuse the same way. If you do, skip the broth and add the rice after sautéing the aromatics, then stir in the Parmesan.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—just make sure your chicken broth and Parmesan are gluten-free. Always double-check labels if cooking for someone with an allergy.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy?

Don’t overcook it. Sear it until just done, and let it finish cooking gently while the rice simmers. Letting it rest before serving helps too.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

You can, but it will require longer cooking and may not sit as well on top of the rice. Boneless is best for ease and even cooking.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free option and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.

Does this dish work well for meal prep?

It’s perfect for meal prep! Portion into containers and store in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners during the week.


Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice is a weeknight hero and comfort food champion all in one. It’s rich and flavorful, yet simple enough to pull off on a busy evening. The balance of juicy chicken, aromatic garlic, buttery richness, and cheesy, fluffy rice makes this dish a guaranteed favorite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself to a little indulgence, this is one of those meals that tastes like you spent hours on it—even though you didn’t.


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Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice


  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

One-pan meals don’t get much better than this Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice. Tender, juicy chicken is seared in a rich garlic butter sauce, then nestled into fluffy rice that’s been simmered with broth, aromatics, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s an easy dinner idea packed with flavor, perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining. Whether you’re looking for quick dinners, comforting food ideas, or healthy-ish comfort food, this easy recipe checks all the boxes for flavor and simplicity.


Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or tenderloins

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

4 tablespoons butter, divided

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley


Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Sauté onion and red bell pepper until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Stir in rice and let it toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Bring to a simmer.

5. Nestle the cooked chicken on top of the rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

6. Remove from heat, sprinkle Parmesan over the rice, and cover for 2 minutes to melt.

7. Fluff rice gently with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

Let chicken rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking for even browning.

Toasting the rice boosts flavor and prevents sogginess.

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds richer taste than pre-shredded.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approx.)
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 740mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, easy dinner, parmesan rice, one pan meal, quick dinner, comfort food

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