There’s nothing more satisfying than a comforting, home cooked meal, especially one that blends rich flavors with a balance of texture and creaminess. If you’re looking for a new dinner idea that’s both delicious and easy to make, Chicken Bites with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a fantastic option.
Growing up, I remember that dinner was always a time to come together as a family, and meals like this one were always a hit at our table. There’s something about tender chicken pieces, perfectly seasoned and crispy on the outside, resting on a bed of creamy garlic rice that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or even hosting friends or family, this dish is sure to be loved by everyone.
Why Chicken Bites with Garlic Parmesan Rice?
This dish checks all the boxes: it’s simple, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of crispy chicken bites with the creamy, savory rice creates a meal that feels indulgent yet still approachable. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have, making this a convenient go to when you’re in need of a quick dinner idea.
Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken Bites
In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside and cover to keep warm.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the rice and toss it in the garlic butter for a minute or two to lightly toast the grains. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Add Parmesan to the Rice
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and fluff the rice with a fork to mix everything together. The Parmesan will melt into the rice, creating a creamy, flavorful base for the chicken bites.
Step 4: Combine and Garnish
Spoon the garlic Parmesan rice onto plates and top it with the cooked chicken bites. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve this dish hot, alongside a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
To make a creamy sauce similar to the one in the picture, here’s a simple Garlic Parmesan Sauce recipe that you can drizzle over the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s fully melted and slightly bubbling.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and whisk everything together. Let the cream simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Stir in Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Add garlic powder for extra garlic flavor.
- Season: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a thicker sauce, let it cook for an additional minute or two.
- Garnish and serve: Once the sauce is ready, drizzle it over the chicken bites. You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley for extra color and flavor.
Variations:
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are some variations you might like:
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken seasoning for a spicy version of this dish.
- Low-Carb Option: Instead of serving the chicken with rice, you can pair it with cauliflower rice or roasted veggies to keep it low-carb.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Season and cook the tofu the same way for a crispy, protein-packed alternative.
- Cheesy Twist: Want more cheese? Sprinkle some mozzarella or cheddar over the rice for an extra cheesy meal.
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check your chicken broth and seasonings to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Cooking Notes:
To ensure the best results, here are a few cooking tips:
- Crispy Chicken: To get a golden, crispy crust on the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. If you need to, cook the chicken in batches.
- Rice Texture: For perfectly cooked rice, don’t lift the lid while it’s simmering! This traps the steam and helps the rice cook evenly. Once the cooking time is up, let the rice rest with the lid on for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Parmesan Freshness: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a much richer flavor than pre-grated. If you can, always opt for freshly grated cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with various sides to make the meal even more special:
- Salads: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or Caesar salad would be a refreshing accompaniment.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for extra veggies.
- Garlic Bread: For an indulgent meal, serve the chicken bites and rice with some warm garlic bread on the side.
- Wine Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, which complements the creamy rice and garlic flavors.
Tips for Success:
- Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prepping! You can make a big batch of the chicken bites and rice, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick lunch or dinner.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice might thicken up as it sits, but you can revive it with a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.
- Freezing: You can freeze the chicken bites separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave. The rice doesn’t freeze as well due to the creamy texture but can be made fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 780mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes! You can use chicken thighs if you prefer, which will add a bit more flavor due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Q: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
A: Make sure to avoid overcooking the chicken. Chicken bites cook relatively quickly, so keep an eye on them. You want them golden brown and cooked through, but not dry.
Q: Can I use another type of rice?
A: Absolutely! You can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa for a twist. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid based on the rice you choose.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A: The best way to reheat the chicken and rice is to add a little chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.
Conclusion:
There’s no better feeling than serving up a delicious homemade meal like Chicken Bites with Garlic Parmesan Rice that both satisfies and delights. This dish is packed with flavor, simple to make, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and don’t forget to let me know how it turned out in the comments!
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Chicken Bites with Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken Bites
In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside and cover to keep warm.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Rice
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the rice and toss it in the garlic butter for a minute or two to lightly toast the grains. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Add Parmesan to the Rice
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and fluff the rice with a fork to mix everything together. The Parmesan will melt into the rice, creating a creamy, flavorful base for the chicken bites.
Step 4: Combine and Garnish
Spoon the garlic Parmesan rice onto plates and top it with the cooked chicken bites. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve this dish hot, alongside a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Notes
To ensure the best results, here are a few cooking tips:
- Crispy Chicken: To get a golden, crispy crust on the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. If you need to, cook the chicken in batches.
- Rice Texture: For perfectly cooked rice, don’t lift the lid while it’s simmering! This traps the steam and helps the rice cook evenly. Once the cooking time is up, let the rice rest with the lid on for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Parmesan Freshness: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a much richer flavor than pre-grated. If you can, always opt for freshly grated cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 780
- Protein: 32