Name: Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice
Ingredients: Chicken: For this dish, 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They remain juicy and tend to absorb the flavors of seasoning well—olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.; Olive Oil: Using high-quality extra virgin olive oil not only enhances flavor but also brings healthy fats to the dish.; Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic and robust punch to both the chicken and rice, creating a savory depth that elevates the entire dish.; Thyme and Rosemary: These herbs introduce a fragrant earthiness that complements the chicken beautifully. You can use fresh or dried—though fresh herbs tend to offer better flavor.; Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a lovely color and a hint of smokiness that rounds out the flavors.; Rice: Long-grain white rice cooks nicely for a fluffy texture, but you can also opt for brown rice for added fiber.; Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water infuses the rice with savory flavor, making it even more delectable.; Butter and Parmesan: Butter adds richness while Parmesan introduces that signature cheese pull and flavor. This dish can easily be made vegan or dairy-free by substituting plant-based butter and cheese alternatives.; Parsley (Optional): Chop fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.

Description

Make this easy Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice for a flavorful, comforting meal! Perfect for weeknight dinners with juicy chicken and creamy garlic rice.

Ingredients

Chicken: For this dish, 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They remain juicy and tend to absorb the flavors of seasoning well—olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Olive Oil: Using high-quality extra virgin olive oil not only enhances flavor but also brings healthy fats to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic and robust punch to both the chicken and rice, creating a savory depth that elevates the entire dish.
Thyme and Rosemary: These herbs introduce a fragrant earthiness that complements the chicken beautifully. You can use fresh or dried—though fresh herbs tend to offer better flavor.
Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a lovely color and a hint of smokiness that rounds out the flavors.
Rice: Long-grain white rice cooks nicely for a fluffy texture, but you can also opt for brown rice for added fiber.
Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water infuses the rice with savory flavor, making it even more delectable.
Butter and Parmesan: Butter adds richness while Parmesan introduces that signature cheese pull and flavor. This dish can easily be made vegan or dairy-free by substituting plant-based butter and cheese alternatives.
Parsley (Optional): Chop fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and a mixture of fresh thyme and rosemary. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sauté for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from the heat and allow to rest while you prepare the rice.
Make the Rice: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary and sauté 3-4 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Be careful not to let it burn! Add 1 cup of rice to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes stirring frequently. Then, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet, allowing the rice to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and serve them over a generous helping of garlic Parmesan rice. If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.