Juicy Tenders with Parmesan Rice

This garlic parmesan rice with juicy chicken tenders creates a restaurant-worthy dish that comes together in one skillet. The tender chicken rests atop a bed of creamy, garlic-infused rice that absorbs all the beautiful flavors of butter, white wine, and parmesan. Every bite delivers comfort and satisfaction that makes this dish worthy of your regular dinner rotation.

I first created this dish when I needed something special for an impromptu dinner with friends. The combination was such a hit that it quickly became my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders: These quick-cooking pieces stay juicy and tender while absorbing all the delicious flavors. Look for tenders that are uniform in size for even cooking.
• Butter: Forms the rich base for the rice cooking liquid. Use unsalted butter to control the sodium level.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic provides aromatic flavor throughout the dish. Mince it finely for the best flavor distribution.
• White wine: Adds acidity and depth to cut through the richness. Pinot Grigio works perfectly but any dry white wine will do.
• Uncooked white rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. Rinse before using for fluffier results.
• Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the rice. Use low-sodium to control salt levels.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty richness to the rice. Freshly grated provides the best flavor and melting properties.
• Red pepper flakes: Provides gentle heat that balances the richness. Adjust according to your spice preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Heat olive oil until shimmering in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken tenders thoroughly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place tenders in the hot oil without overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown with an internal temperature of 165°F. The chicken should have a beautiful sear that seals in moisture. Remove to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

Create the Flavor Base:

Add butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt completely. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and half a teaspoon of salt. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent garlic from burning. The mixture should become fragrant and slightly golden, releasing all those wonderful garlic aromas.

Deglaze and Reduce:

Increase heat to medium-high and pour in white wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These contain concentrated flavor. Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced and alcohol has cooked off. The sauce will begin to thicken slightly. Reserve 3 tablespoons of this mixture for finishing the dish.

Cook the Rice:

Add uncooked rice directly to the remaining sauce in the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat each grain with the buttery mixture. Pour in chicken broth and remaining salt, giving everything a good stir. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Finish the Dish:

Once rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, sprinkle parmesan cheese evenly over the surface. Arrange chicken tenders on top of the rice. Cover the skillet and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes to allow cheese to melt and flavors to meld together.

Serve and Garnish:

Drizzle the reserved garlic butter sauce over the chicken tenders just before serving. This adds moisture and a final burst of flavor. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness.

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The garlicky butter sauce is what truly makes this dish special. When I first experimented with this recipe, I tried skipping the step of reserving some sauce for finishing, and the difference was remarkable. That final drizzle of concentrated flavor adds a restaurant-quality touch that elevates the entire dish.

Storage and Reheating

This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making the leftovers sometimes even better than the first serving. When reheating, add a small splash of chicken broth to the rice to restore moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel when microwaving to prevent the rice from drying out. For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a lid until warmed through.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible and can be adapted based on what you have available. Chicken breasts cut into strips work perfectly in place of tenders, though cooking time may vary slightly. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, substitute the white wine with additional chicken broth plus a tablespoon of lemon juice for acidity. For a lighter version, reduce the butter by half and use olive oil for the remainder. Brown rice can replace white rice, but the cooking time will increase to approximately 40-45 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This complete meal needs little accompaniment, but a simple side of steamed green vegetables creates the perfect balance. Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans complement the rich flavors beautifully. For a more elegant presentation, serve in individual portions with a lemon wedge on the side to add brightness. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette makes a refreshing starter that prepares the palate for the rich main course.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, chicken breasts work well as a substitute. Simply slice them into tender-sized strips or pound them thin to ensure even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they're cooked through without becoming dry.

→ What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white wine vinegar to add acidity. This maintains the flavor depth without using alcohol.

→ Can I make this dish with brown rice?

Brown rice requires longer cooking time and more liquid. If using brown rice, increase the chicken broth to 4 cups and extend cooking time to 40-45 minutes. Check occasionally and add more liquid if needed.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out, then microwave until hot or warm gently in a covered skillet.

→ What vegetables pair well with this dish?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple side salad. You can also add peas or diced bell peppers directly to the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.

→ How can I make this dish creamier?

For an even creamier texture, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese along with the Parmesan just before adding the chicken back to the skillet. This creates a more indulgent, risotto-like consistency.