The Best Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice

Looking for a quick yet flavorful dinner idea that’s both comforting and satisfying? This Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice is the answer! The chicken comes out perfectly tender, bursting with garlic and buttery flavors, while the creamy parmesan rice serves as the ideal accompaniment. Whether you’re looking for something easy to make on a busy weeknight or a meal to impress guests, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish requires just a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look:

For the Garlic Butter Chicken:

1 lb chicken tenderloins (tender cuts that cook quickly)

Salt and pepper (to taste)

½ teaspoon garlic powder

3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for searing the chicken)

2 garlic cloves, minced (fresh garlic adds extra flavor!)

For the Parmesan Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth (or water, if preferred)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (the star of this creamy rice)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

🍳 How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice

1. Prepare the Chicken

First, pat the chicken tenderloins dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and starts to bubble, add the chicken tenderloins. Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

4. Combine the Chicken and Garlic Butter

Return the chicken to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss the chicken in the sauce to coat it evenly, and allow it to simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to absorb all that flavor.

5. Prepare the Parmesan Rice

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice in a separate saucepan. In a medium-sized pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the rice and stir to coat it in the butter.

Add the chicken broth (or water), bring it to a simmer, and cover the pot. Let the rice cook for about 18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

6. Make the Rice Creamy

Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra creaminess, you can add a little more butter or a splash of milk.

7. Assemble and Serve

Serve the garlic butter chicken on top of the creamy parmesan rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor.

🍽️ Tips for Success

Use fresh garlic for a more vibrant, aromatic flavor. Pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch, but fresh garlic packs more punch.

Cook the chicken to perfection: Chicken tenderloins cook quickly, but make sure not to overcook them to keep them juicy. If you’re using larger chicken breasts, you might need to cook them for a little longer.

Parmesan cheese quality matters: Freshly grated parmesan will give you the best creamy texture, but pre-grated parmesan will still work.

Add vegetables for color and extra nutrition: Feel free to stir in some sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted vegetables with the rice to turn it into a more well-rounded meal.

🧑‍🍳 Variations You Can Try

While this garlic butter chicken with parmesan rice is delicious as-is, here are a few ways to switch it up:

Chicken Breast Instead of Tenderloins: If you prefer chicken breasts, simply slice them into strips or smaller pieces before cooking.

Herbed Rice: Add some dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to the rice for an herby kick.

Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy twist.

Lemon Zest: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some lemon zest to the garlic butter sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.

Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms in the garlic butter sauce along with the chicken to create an even more savory dish.

🍽️ What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken and Parmesan Rice

This dish is a meal in itself, but if you want to round out your dinner with a few sides, here are some great ideas:

Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are excellent options that complement the richness of the chicken and rice.

Side Salad: A light salad with fresh greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette would balance the creamy rice.

Garlic Bread: If you’re craving more carbs, serve this meal with some crispy garlic bread to mop up all the garlic butter sauce!

🥄 Leftovers & Storage

If you have leftovers (although it’s unlikely!), store the chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out.

🎉 Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines buttery chicken with creamy, cheesy rice. It’s a family favorite that works for both casual dinners and special occasions. With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, it’s a recipe that will earn its place in your weekly rotation.

The balance of flavors and textures—from the savory chicken to the rich, creamy rice—makes every bite feel like a comforting indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish is sure to impress!

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