CHICKEN WITH GARLIC PARMESAN RICE

Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is the perfect dish for easy weeknight dinners. This quick chicken and rice recipe is not only tasty but uses ingredients you likely have on hand. Simply use chicken tenders, white rice, and white wine to quickly whip up this easy dinner!

Chicken and rice is one of my all-time favorite foods and the dish I most often look for on restaurant menus. But when I’m home, I love making it from scratch because the recipe is so easy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe is a fantastic way to stretch your meal budget. For a family of four or five, you can make do with just a pound, or a pound and a half, of chicken and several cups of rice.

It’s also perfect for meal prep. Divide the entire meal into four equal portions and store them in ziplock bags either frozen or refrigerated. Use this recipe to plan ahead your healthy meals for the week!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• 1 pound chicken tenders
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp salt, divided
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 ½ cups white rice (uncooked)
• ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Meanwhile, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place the chicken into the skillet and sear until browned and completely cooked through. Set aside when done.

Step 2: In the same skillet, add the butter, garlic, pepper flakes, and ½ tsp of salt. Sauté over medium heat for a few minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, then pour in the white wine. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Reserve 3 tbsp of the pan sauce for later.

Step 3: Stir the rice into the skillet, making sure it is well coated with the sauce. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Step 4: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese and the reserved pan sauce. Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.

Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.

Tips for Success

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
• If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute chicken broth.

Additional Tips or Variations

• For a creamy version, stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese just before serving.
• Add in vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition and color.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount as brown rice takes longer to cook.

What can I use instead of chicken tenders?

Chicken thighs or breasts work well too; just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe is a delightful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. Give it a try and don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below. Happy cooking!