Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice

This creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a comforting one-pan dinner loaded with flavor! Juicy seared chicken breasts nestle into a bed of garlic-infused rice, all simmered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Weeknight dinner just got a gourmet upgrade!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice

This recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: flavorful, filling, and made in one skillet. It’s warm and cheesy with tender chicken breasts and creamy rice that soaks up all the garlicky goodness. The best part? It comes together in under 40 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this is a reliable and satisfying dinner that never fails.

Perfect for:

• Busy weeknights

• Family-friendly meals

• Leftover lunches

• Quick dinner guests

Ingredient Breakdown

4 Boneless Chicken Breasts

Lean protein and the star of the dish. Searing them first locks in moisture and builds flavor for the base of your skillet.

Tip: Pound the chicken to even thickness for quicker, more even cooking.

1 Cup Long-Grain Rice (Uncooked)

Long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati cooks up fluffy and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.

1 Cup Chicken Broth

Adds savory depth to the rice. Use low-sodium if preferred.

1 Cup Heavy Cream

Creates a rich, velvety texture and balances the garlic and parmesan.

Substitute: Half-and-half for a lighter version, or coconut cream for dairy-free.

1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Melts into the rice for a cheesy, nutty finish. Freshly grated works best.

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

Used to sear the chicken and build the flavor base in the skillet.

4 Cloves Garlic, Minced

Fragrant and flavorful, garlic is a must in this dish. Sautéing it in the leftover chicken drippings elevates everything.

1 Tsp Italian Seasoning

A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.

Salt & Pepper (To Taste)

Basic but essential. Season generously for the best results.

Fresh Parsley, Chopped (For Garnish)

Adds brightness and a fresh pop of color right before serving.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Season 4 chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

• Sear for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

• Remove from skillet and set aside.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if needed for even browning.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

• In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.

• Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

• Stir in 1 cup long-grain rice, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.

• Bring to a gentle boil.

• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan

• Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

• Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

• Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy rice.

• Cover and cook for another 5 minutes on low heat until everything is heated through.

• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice

• Roasted broccoli or green beans

• Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls

• Light Caesar or arugula salad

• A glass of crisp white wine

Tips for Success

👉 Use a nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet to prevent rice from sticking.

👉 Let the rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking so the sauce thickens slightly.

👉 Slice the chicken before serving for easier plating and faster reheating.

👉 Double the recipe in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to feed a crowd!

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: Microwave in 45-second intervals, or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.

• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months (though cream-based sauces may change texture slightly).

Yield: 4

Author: CookSnapBake.com

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice

This creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a comforting one-pan dinner loaded with flavor! Juicy seared chicken breasts nestle into a bed of garlic-infused rice, all simmered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Weeknight dinner just got a gourmet upgrade!

This creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a comforting one-pan dinner loaded with flavor! Juicy seared chicken breasts nestle into a bed of garlic-infused rice, all simmered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Weeknight dinner just got a gourmet upgrade!

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 35 Min

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper, sear 5–7 min per side. Remove.
2. Sauté garlic in same skillet for 1 min.
3. Add rice, broth, cream, and Italian seasoning. Bring to boil, then simmer 15 min covered.
4. Stir in Parmesan until creamy.
5. Return chicken to skillet, cover and cook 5 more min. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

625

Fat

35 g

Sat. Fat

15 g

Carbs

32 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

1 g

Protein

47 g

Sodium

760 mg

Cholesterol

150 mg

Net carbs

32 g

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cooksnapbake on instagram and hashtag it #Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. With pantry staples and one skillet, you create layers of flavor through browning, deglazing, and slow simmering. It’s comforting, creamy, and totally satisfying without requiring any special tools or advanced skills.

Whether you're feeding picky kids or impressing dinner guests, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice gets it right every time.

Tried this creamy one-pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice? Tag me on Instagram @cooksnapbake or leave a review below to let me know how it turned out!

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