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
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