Finding new recipe ideas that are both comforting and quick enough for a Tuesday night can be a challenge. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rice is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma.
This dish is a lifesaver because it cooks entirely in one pan, meaning fewer dishes for you to wash later. It is incredibly popular with busy moms and working professionals because it delivers gourmet flavor without the hassle. If you want a meal that is hearty, family-friendly, and ready in 30 minutes, this is the one for you.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (approx. 700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Seasoning: 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
- Oil: 2 tbsp olive oil or butter.
- Aromatics: 1 small yellow onion (diced) and 4 cloves garlic (minced).
- Rice: 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati works best).
- Liquid: 2.5 cups high-quality chicken broth (low sodium preferred).
- The Cream Factor: ½ cup heavy cream (or cooking cream).
- Cheese: ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Greens: 2 cups fresh baby spinach.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley and red chili flakes (optional).
> Note: This recipe uses chicken broth rather than white wine for deglazing to ensure it is 100% Halal and family-friendly.
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until evenly coated.
- Sear the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet).
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the diced onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir effectively to toast the grains for about 1 minute.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful browned bits. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Make it Creamy: Remove the lid. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach.
- Finish the Dish: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Stir gently until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through (about 2–3 minutes).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips, Variations & Storage
Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free; the rest of the ingredients are naturally free of gluten.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie sauce.
Make-Ahead Advice
- You can chop the onions, mince the garlic, and cube the chicken the night before. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge to speed up the cooking process.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the cream sauce may separate and the rice texture can become mushy upon thawing.
- Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it will thicken in the fridge.
Serving Ideas
- Serve alongside roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cream sauce.
FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time (usually 40–45 minutes). You may need to add an extra ½ to 1 cup of broth.
My sauce is too runny, how do I fix it? Simmer the dish uncovered for a few extra minutes. The starch from the rice and the melting cheese will thicken the sauce naturally as it cools slightly.
Can I use chicken thighs? Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving than breasts. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for even cooking.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 42 g
- Fat: 24 g
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rice is one of those reliable recipe ideas that you will want to keep in your back pocket for busy days. It is simple, flavorful, and perfect for families who want a comforting meal without the mess. Give it a try tonight and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
