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