Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Rice Recipe

Crispy garlic butter chicken dances with irresistible flavors that spark pure culinary magic.

Each bite promises a symphony of rich, comforting sensations.

Succulent chicken breasts get coated in a luxurious blend of melted butter and aromatic seasonings.

Parmesan rice adds a delightful golden backdrop that complements the tender meat perfectly.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like a gourmet experience waiting to happen.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary on your plate.

Storing and Reheating Garlic Chicken Rice

• Store leftover chicken and rice in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water or chicken broth over the chicken to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring rice halfway through for even warming.
• Warm chicken and rice in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently and cover with a lid for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly.
• Consume reheated dishes within 1-2 days for best taste and texture. Discard if the chicken smells odd or looks discolored.

What to Eat with Garlic Butter Chicken

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Chardonnay with buttery undertones that complement the garlic butter sauce, enhancing the chicken's rich flavors without overpowering the delicate protein.
• Zesty Side Salad: Craft a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish, adding a refreshing contrast that balances the creamy Parmesan rice and buttery chicken.
• Herbal Accompaniment: Serve roasted asparagus spears with fresh thyme and sea salt, which provide a green vegetable element that matches the dish's elegant profile and adds nutritional depth to the meal.
• Crisp Beverage Option: Select a cold, light pilsner beer that offers a clean, hoppy finish to cleanse the palate between bites of the buttery, garlicky chicken and creamy rice.

Recipe Styles for Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace white wine with gluten-free chicken broth or apple cider vinegar to maintain sauce flavor while ensuring dietary compatibility.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Swap: Substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice, keeping the same Parmesan and garlic butter sauce techniques for a lighter, keto-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, marinating them in the same seasoning blend and cooking method for a plant-based protein option.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use olive oil instead of butter, coconut milk instead of Parmesan, and nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor while eliminating dairy ingredients.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices running clear.

• Can I substitute white wine in the sauce?

Yes, you can use chicken broth or apple cider vinegar as alternatives if you prefer not to use wine. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile but still work well in the recipe.

• What if my garlic starts to burn while sautéing?

Lower the heat immediately and stir constantly. Burned garlic becomes bitter, so watch it carefully and keep the temperature at medium-low when cooking garlic.

• How can I prevent the rice from sticking to the skillet?

Use a nonstick skillet and stir the rice occasionally during cooking. If needed, you can add a small amount of extra olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

What’s Special About Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice

• Quick Kitchen Hero: Prepare a delicious dinner in under an hour with simple techniques and readily available ingredients.
• Family-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine crowd-pleasing elements like crispy chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and cheesy rice that appeal to both adults and kids.
• One-Pan Dish: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a streamlined cooking method that uses the same skillet for chicken, sauce, and rice.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Ingredients

• Chicken Tenderloins: Tender, lean meat perfect for quick cooking.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, rich Italian cheese with nutty flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic seasoning blend for savory depth.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Subtle heat and mild spiciness.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, heart-healthy cooking oil.
• Butter: Rich, creamy dairy product for flavor.
• White Wine: Bright, acidic liquid for sauce reduction.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful base for cooking rice.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright green herb for garnish.

• Rice: Fluffy, versatile white grain as base for dish.

Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken and Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

Gently pat chicken tenderloins completely dry with paper towels.

Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even coverage across the entire surface.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Warm olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place chicken into the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until beautifully browned and thoroughly cooked.

Transfer chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat.

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt

Sauté for 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent garlic from burning.

Boost heat to medium-high and pour in white wine, stirring to blend flavors.

Simmer for about 5 minutes until sauce reduces by half.

Set aside 2 tablespoons of sauce for finishing.

Step 4: Transform Rice into Creamy Parmesan Delight

Introduce rice to the skillet, stirring for 3-4 minutes until it develops a light golden color.

• Chicken broth
• Remaining salt

Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat to medium-low.

Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once done, sprinkle Parmesan over rice and fluff delicately with a fork.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Arrange cooked chicken atop the Parmesan rice.

Drizzle reserved garlic butter sauce over the top.

Cover and let rest for 5 minutes off the heat.

Enhance with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary creation.

Tips for Garlic Chicken and Rice Success

• Low and slow is the key when sautéing garlic. Keep the heat at medium-low and stir constantly to avoid scorching, which can make the sauce bitter and unpleasant.
• Choose a dry white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the rich garlic butter sauce without overpowering the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing it's fully cooked while maintaining juicy tenderness.
• Stir rice occasionally during cooking and let it rest covered after adding Parmesan to help grains separate and absorb flavors evenly, creating a fluffy and creamy consistency.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – reduce for mild or increase for a spicier kick that adds depth to the garlic butter sauce.

Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken meets creamy parmesan rice in a delightful culinary symphony that promises comfort and flavor. Savory herbs and golden-brown chicken create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken tenderloins

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Components:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 stick (113 g) butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace by gathering all ingredients and necessary cooking tools, ensuring a clean and organized cooking environment.
2. Thoroughly pat chicken tenderloins dry using paper towels, then generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, creating a flavorful coating.
3. Warm olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, carefully placing seasoned chicken into the pan to sear.
4. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, developing a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover to maintain warmth.
5. Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat, creating a rich base for the sauce.
6. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt to the melted butter, stirring constantly to prevent burning and develop a fragrant aroma.
7. Increase heat to medium-high and pour in white wine, allowing the liquid to deglaze the pan and create a complex flavor profile.
8. Simmer the sauce for approximately 5 minutes, reducing the volume by half and concentrating the flavors.
9. Separate 2 tablespoons of the garlic butter sauce for later use, setting it aside.
10. Introduce rice to the skillet, stirring to toast and develop a nutty flavor for 3-4 minutes.
11. Pour chicken broth into the rice, adding remaining salt and bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
12. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and allow rice to cook for 20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
13. Once rice is tender, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and delicately fluff the grains to incorporate the cheese.
14. Arrange cooked chicken atop the Parmesan rice, drizzling the reserved garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
15. Cover the skillet, remove from heat, and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
16. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Choose chicken tenderloins with uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior and crispy texture.
• Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for more robust and authentic flavor in the garlic butter sauce.
• Monitor heat carefully when sautéing garlic to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste and ruin the sauce.
• Substitute white wine with chicken broth or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version that maintains depth of flavor.
• Allow rice to rest after cooking to absorb remaining moisture and create a fluffy, perfectly cooked texture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for subtle flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg