Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice is a comforting and flavorful main course featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over creamy Parmesan-infused rice. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish combines juicy chicken with a cheesy, buttery side for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken evenly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and keep warm while preparing the rice.
- Prepare the Parmesan Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and butter to a boil. Stir in the rice, salt, and black pepper, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes or until the rice absorbs all the liquid and becomes tender.
- Finish the Rice: Remove the rice from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the rice is creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Plate the Parmesan rice and place the garlic butter chicken breasts on top. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the dish and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier option.
- For added richness, stir in a splash of cream into the Parmesan rice just before serving.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
