If you’re searching for the perfect one-pan dinner that’s comforting, full of flavor, and easy enough for a busy weeknight, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice is your answer. Featuring juicy, golden chicken tenders, creamy garlic butter sauce, and perfectly seasoned rice with Parmesan cheese, this dish is restaurant-quality yet incredibly simple to make at home.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping for a date night in, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this recipe checks all the boxes: rich, savory, aromatic, and ready in just 45 minutes.

Let’s dive into why this dish is a must-make, how to perfect it in your own kitchen, and how to tweak it to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

• Balanced & Flavorful: Tender protein, creamy rice, a touch of heat, and fresh garlic.

• Kid- and Adult-Approved: It’s mild enough for picky eaters but rich enough to impress guests.

• Customizable: Easy to adjust for dietary needs or flavor preferences.

• Elegant Yet Simple: It feels fancy, but it’s totally weeknight-doable.

Who Is This Recipe For?

This recipe is for:

• Busy home cooks who want a reliable, flavor-packed dinner without fuss.

• Garlic lovers who appreciate that aromatic burst of fresh garlic sautéed in butter.

• Parents who want to introduce their kids to bold, delicious flavors in a familiar format.

• Anyone looking for a wholesome, filling meal made from everyday pantry staples.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving. You don’t need culinary school skills—just some good ingredients, a sturdy skillet, and a hungry appetite.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this recipe to life:

• 1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breasts, sliced

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 stick (½ cup) butter, divided

• 2 tbsp fresh garlic, minced

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle heat)

• 1½ tsp salt, divided

• ½ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)

• 1½ cups uncooked white rice

• 3 cups chicken broth

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Note: Use high-quality Parmesan and a dry white wine for the best flavor payoff.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you begin, make sure you have these tools on hand:

• Large non-stick skillet with a lid

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Cheese grater

• Tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Season your chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast) with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning builds the base flavor.

Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked—about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan, cover with foil, and set aside.

2. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add half the stick of butter. Toss in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and ½ tsp of salt. Sauté for about 3 minutes—be careful not to let the garlic burn.

3. Deglaze with Wine

Increase heat to medium-high. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any brown bits from the pan. Stir vigorously to emulsify the wine with the butter. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until reduced by half.

Reserve 2 tablespoons of this luscious sauce in a small bowl—you’ll drizzle it over the final dish for an extra punch of flavor.

4. Toast the Rice

Add the rice to the remaining garlic-wine-butter sauce in the pan. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until it turns golden and fragrant.

5. Simmer the Rice

Add the chicken broth and the remaining 1 tsp of salt. Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally for the first 15 minutes to prevent sticking.

6. Add Parmesan & Assemble

Once the rice is cooked and creamy, stir in the grated Parmesan. Place the cooked chicken tenders over the rice, drizzle with the reserved garlic butter sauce, cover again, and remove from heat. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

7. Garnish & Serve

Top with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the smiles at your dinner table.

Tips, Tricks, and Variations

✔️ Shortcuts

• Pre-minced garlic from a jar can save time (though fresh is best for flavor).

• Use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time—just skip the chicken cooking step.

• Swap rice for minute rice, but reduce the broth and cooking time accordingly.

🧀 Variations

• Add spinach or peas to the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a veggie boost.

• Swap white wine for lemon juice and extra broth for an alcohol-free version.

• Make it creamy by stirring in a splash of heavy cream with the Parmesan.

🌿 Dietary Swaps

• Use gluten-free chicken broth and verify wine is gluten-free if needed.

• Substitute cauliflower rice for a low-carb version (adjust cooking liquid and time).

• Use vegan butter and veggie broth for a vegetarian side dish option.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Rice

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but here are a few pairing ideas to round it out:

🍷 Drink Pairings

• A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

• Sparkling lemon water or citrusy mocktail for a non-alcoholic choice

🥗 Side Dishes

• A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli

• Garlic bread (because, yes, more garlic)

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

This recipe stores wonderfully for meal prep or leftovers.

• To Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• To Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container (preferably portioned) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

🔁 Reheating Tips

• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water.

• Microwave on medium power, covered, in 30-second intervals to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this without wine?

Absolutely! Swap the wine for chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice or white vinegar for acidity.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but increase the cooking time and broth quantity—brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid.

Is this spicy?

Only mildly, thanks to the red pepper flakes. You can skip them entirely if preferred, or increase for more heat.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can season and sear the chicken and prepare the sauce a day ahead. Store separately and assemble when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan—all coming together with tender chicken and creamy rice in one hearty skillet. This Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s sure to become a staple in your home.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Share your photos, tag me on social media, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more delicious, easy-to-follow recipes.

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Bon appétit! 🍽️