If you’re craving something soul-satisfying and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen, this Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice is your dream come true. Golden pan-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a savory garlic butter sauce, paired with fluffy, cheesy rice that delivers flavor in every bite. This dish brings together simple pantry staples and turns them into a warm, cozy dinner you’ll find yourself making again and again.

From weeknight dinners to family gatherings, this meal checks all the boxes. The garlic butter sauce infuses the chicken with rich depth, while the Parmesan rice adds creamy, salty balance. Best of all, it’s a one-skillet wonder for minimal cleanup, and even picky eaters can’t resist.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice

This recipe is an easy favorite because it hits all the right notes: rich, buttery, garlicky chicken paired with creamy rice that’s spiked with nutty Parmesan. It’s fast enough for a Monday, yet elegant enough to serve to guests on a Saturday. Plus, it uses affordable ingredients and leaves you with a warm, full belly.

The garlic butter elevates the chicken to another level, while the Parmesan rice soaks up the savory juices. And since it’s all cooked in one pan, you save time on dishes and let the flavors build naturally together.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?

Absolutely. While boneless chicken breasts are quick-cooking and lean, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe too. They bring more fat and flavor to the table and tend to stay extra juicy. Just adjust the cook time to ensure they reach the right internal temperature, and keep the rest of the method the same. Whichever cut you choose, that garlic butter will make it sing.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice

The magic of this recipe lies in its balance of rich, savory flavors and the simplicity of the ingredients. Each item plays an important role, so while the list is short, it’s packed with flavor. Let’s walk through what you’ll need to bring this comforting dish together:

Chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil
Garlic cloves
Butter
Chicken broth
Uncooked white rice
Parmesan cheese
Heavy cream
Fresh parsley

The chicken breasts are the protein star of the show, providing a juicy, lean base that soaks up the garlic butter sauce. Salt and black pepper are the essential starting point for seasoning and balance. Olive oil helps achieve that golden-brown sear on the chicken while keeping it moist.

Garlic cloves are where the flavor starts to build, infusing the butter and oil with their aromatic punch. Butter, of course, is the heart of the sauce, lending a silky richness that pairs so beautifully with the garlic. Chicken broth adds depth and helps cook the rice evenly with extra flavor.

Uncooked white rice becomes the creamy bed that soaks up all those savory juices. Stirring in Parmesan cheese gives the rice a nutty sharpness that cuts through the butter perfectly. Heavy cream makes the rice extra luscious, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brings brightness and color to finish the dish.

Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice 2

How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer them to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, stirring until fragrant—this should take about 1 minute. Let the garlic gently flavor the butter without burning.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked white rice, cover, and let it cook for 15-18 minutes on low heat until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese

Once the rice is cooked, mix in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese is melted and everything is creamy and thick.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the rice. Spoon some of the creamy rice and sauce over the chicken. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top just before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the rich flavors. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one-pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice

This recipe serves up to 4 people comfortably, making it perfect for a family dinner or a couple of meals for two. Each plate offers a generous portion of juicy chicken and creamy rice, and it’s surprisingly filling.

To serve, plate the chicken breasts over a bed of Parmesan rice and drizzle some of the buttery garlic sauce on top. It’s a complete meal on its own, but a few extras on the side can elevate it even more.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice might thicken a bit in the fridge, so when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or a drizzle of cream to loosen it back to its creamy consistency. It’s best reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at medium power.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Parmesan Rice?

Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds

Crisp green beans tossed with toasted almonds bring a fresh crunch that pairs beautifully with the buttery richness of the chicken.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with a tangy dressing adds contrast and a cool, crunchy texture.

Roasted Asparagus

The earthy flavor of roasted asparagus complements the garlic notes and gives a burst of vibrant green to the plate.

Garlic Knots or Crusty Bread

Bread is always a good idea when there’s garlic butter involved. Soak up every last drop with something warm and doughy.

Lemon Herb Roasted Carrots

These add sweetness and zing, balancing out the savory flavors with a gentle citrusy lift.

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their charred, caramelized edges add deep flavor and a little tangy brightness to cut through the creamy richness.

Simple Cucumber Tomato Salad

For a cold and refreshing contrast, this light salad is a great addition, especially on warmer days.

Creamy Spinach

A simple side of garlicky creamed spinach blends well with the rice, echoing the savory, buttery theme while adding some greens to your plate.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice has earned a spot in your meal rotation, here are more flavorful chicken dishes to try next:

Chicken Parmesan is a crispy, cheesy classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Easy Crock Pot Orange Chicken for a sweet and tangy twist made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce if you love garlic-forward flavors in a handheld form.
Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon for a garlicky, creamy dish that carries similar flavors in a seafood variation.
The Best Chicken and Rice Casserole for another one-pan favorite that’s cozy and oven-baked.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use chicken breasts or thighs? Maybe you added mushrooms or a hint of red pepper flakes?

I love hearing how you all make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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