Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts seared to golden perfection and served over creamy, cheesy Parmesan rice. Enhanced with garlic, herbs, and a touch of butter, this American-inspired recipe is easy to prepare on the stovetop and perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides evenly with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to build flavorful layers.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, releasing a rich aroma.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly and absorb the garlic butter flavors.
- Cook the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook undisturbed for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Finish the Rice: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and serve it over the creamy Parmesan rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired for a fresh bright finish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor and creaminess.
- Adding spinach or peas to the rice during cooking is a great way to incorporate extra vegetables.
- Ensure the skillet is covered while cooking the rice to trap steam and cook rice evenly.
- For a lighter option, use chicken breasts and less butter, but thighs offer richer flavor and juiciness.
