Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken tenders with aromatic garlic, savory Parmesan cheese, and fluffy rice cooked in a flavorful broth. The dish is finished with a drizzle of white wine-infused garlic butter sauce, adding a burst of flavor and richness.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• 1 pound chicken tenders
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp salt, divided
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 ½ cups white rice, uncooked
• ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
• 3 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Sear the Chicken:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear the chicken in the skillet until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and ½ tsp of salt. Saute for a few minutes. Pour in the white wine and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Reserve 3 tbsp of the pan sauce for later use.

3. Cook the Rice:

• Add the uncooked rice to the remaining butter sauce in the skillet. Stir to coat the rice. Pour in the chicken broth and season with the remaining salt. Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally.

4. Finish the Dish:

• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the rice and arrange the cooked chicken tenders on top. Replace the lid and remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Serve:

• Before serving, drizzle the reserved pan sauce over the chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips:

1. Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chicken tenders, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth to enhance the flavor of the dish.
2. Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt according to your taste preferences. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
3. Properly Cook the Rice: Ensure the rice is cooked until tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on the skillet while simmering to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom and burning.
4. Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to rest off the heat after cooking helps the flavors to meld together and ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender.
5. Serve with Greens: Pair the Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.