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What This Recipe Is All About
Creamy. Garlicky. Comforting. Fast.
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is a one-pan wonder that turns simple ingredients into something that tastes like it came from your favorite cozy bistro. Tender chicken, buttery onions, fragrant herbs, creamy parmesan sauce—each bite is a dream.
It’s the kind of dinner you go back for just one more spoonful… and then maybe another.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan (less mess, less cleanup—bless).
- 25 minutes from stove to table.
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved.
- Creamy without being heavy—the perfect balance.
- Budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine buttery garlic bread meeting a bowl of creamy risotto… but with juicy golden chicken tucked between every bite. The aroma alone—garlic, herbs, warm parmesan—is enough to bring everyone to the kitchen asking, “Is dinner ready yet?”
The rice soaks up the broth and turns silky. The parmesan melts into a luscious sauce. And the thyme + rosemary? Oh, they make the whole thing taste way fancier than it actually is.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Great for meal prep—flavors deepen beautifully overnight.
- Flexible—add veggies, swap herbs, make it lighter or richer.
- Perfect for both weeknights and cozy weekends.
- Kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
Serves: 4 | Total Time: 25 minutes
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts, cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 white onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (not quick-cooking)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet with lid
- Cutting board + sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for fresh parmesan
Optional Additions & Substitutions
Add-ins
- Spinach – stir in 2 cups during the final 2 minutes of cooking.
- Broccoli florets – add when you add the broth and rice.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – 1/3 cup for a pop of tangy richness.
- Mushrooms – sauté with the onions for extra umami.
Substitutions
- Chicken thighs → even juicier than breasts.
- Half & half → instead of heavy cream for a lighter dish.
- Orzo → swap rice for 1 1/4 cups orzo; reduce simmer time by 5 minutes.
- Vegetable broth → to make it chicken-free (use mushrooms instead).
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté your aromatics
Heat your skillet over medium-high and melt the butter. Add diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the chicken
Add the cubed chicken along with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Let it cook until the chicken is golden on all sides, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the garlic
Stir in your minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. (The smell at this point? INCREDIBLE!!)
Step 4: Add broth + rice
Pour in the chicken broth and uncooked rice. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Let it simmer 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender.
Step 5: Make it creamy
Remove from heat, stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve
Finish with extra parmesan and chopped parsley. Cozy perfection!
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice
- Garlic bread (because more garlic is always the answer)
- Simple green salad with lemon dressing
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- Sautéed spinach
- Crisp Caesar salad
Tips for the BEST Chicken and Rice
- Use freshly grated parmesan—pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t lift the lid during simmering—the steam cooks the rice!
- Cut chicken evenly for perfect tenderness.
- Season in layers—add salt with the chicken AND at the end.
- If too thick: splash with more broth or cream.
- If too thin: simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months (add a splash of broth when reheating).
- Reheat: Low and slow on the stovetop with a little broth or cream.
General Info
- Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
- Method: One-pan stovetop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Meal Type: Dinner, meal prep, family-friendly
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice?
You can, but it requires more liquid and about 20 extra minutes of cooking.
Can I make this without cream?
Yes! Substitute half & half, whole milk (with 1 tsp cornstarch), or even a splash more broth for a lighter version.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely—add red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Add shredded or diced cooked chicken when adding the broth and rice.
Conclusion
If you’re craving something warm, cozy, creamy, and ready in under 30 minutes, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice is the answer. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but comforting enough for slow weekends. And once you try it, I promise—it’s going straight into your regular rotation.
Looking for more dinner recipes that feel like a hug? Try one of these next!
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo
- Parmesan Herb Chicken Skillet
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Rice
Let’s Stay Connected
If you make this recipe, please leave a review, share your creation, or tag your photos on Pinterest—I absolutely love seeing what you cook!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~540
- Protein: ~38g
- Carbs: ~36g
- Fat: ~28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: varies by broth used
Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite! 🍽️✨
