Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rice
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
3 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
2 cups cooked white rice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Season and cook the chicken:
In a bowl, season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine the chicken and sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve:
Spoon the chicken and sauce over cooked white rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 420 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. First, ensure your chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning. When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to achieve a proper golden sear. For the sauce, keep the heat at medium to prevent the garlic from burning and the cream from separating. Add the Parmesan cheese off the heat initially, stirring until melted, then return to low heat to finish thickening.
Serving Suggestions
While white rice is classic, this creamy chicken is versatile. For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a bed of fresh spinach. Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make excellent side dishes. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. For a special touch, top with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
How-to Summary
This one-skillet meal comes together in three key stages: 1) Season and pan-sear chicken pieces until cooked through. 2) In the same skillet, create a luxurious sauce with butter, garlic, broth, cream, and Parmesan. 3) Reunite the chicken with the sauce to simmer briefly, then serve over rice. The entire process takes about 30 minutes for a comforting, restaurant-quality dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs will add more flavor and remain juicy. Adjust cooking time by 1-2 minutes as needed.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. For a dairy-free version, use a plain, unsweetened plant-based cream.
Why did my sauce break or look grainy? This usually happens if the heat is too high when adding the dairy. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer and avoid boiling. If it separates, remove from heat and whisk in a tablespoon of cold broth.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can season the chicken and mince the garlic ahead. For best results, cook the dish fresh, as the sauce is creamiest when served immediately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using high heat to cook the sauce, which can cause the cream to curdle.
- Not letting the sauce reduce and thicken slightly before adding the chicken back in.
- Overcooking the chicken, leading to dry, tough pieces.
- Adding cold cream directly to a very hot pan; let it come to room temperature first.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan cheese, which contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rice is the epitome of a satisfying, fuss-free weeknight dinner. It combines simple, flavorful ingredients into a decadent one-pan meal that feels special without requiring complex techniques. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this versatile recipe. Experiment with the serving suggestions to make it your own, and enjoy the consistent comfort it brings to your table.