Preparation:

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken tenderloins dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear beautifully. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. A little seasoning goes a long way in bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken tenderloins to the pan. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through. The goal here is to achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. You’ll add it back into the dish later.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt completely before adding the minced garlic. Stir the garlic frequently for about 1-2 minutes, allowing it to soften and become fragrant but not brown. Next, add the red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, along with salt to taste. Pour in the chicken broth, deglazing the pan by scraping up any brown bits from the chicken. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

While the sauce is simmering, start on the rice. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 3½ cups of chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the uncooked white rice and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the rice simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until all the broth has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the hot rice, creating a creamy, luscious texture. Season the rice with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken with the Sauce

Now that your sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken tenderloins to the skillet. Coat the chicken in the garlic butter sauce, spooning it over the top to ensure every piece is covered. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through and absorb the flavors.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the chicken tenderloins over a bed of the creamy garlic Parmesan rice. Drizzle any extra sauce from the skillet over the top for added flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.