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Easy Garlic Chicken and Rice photo

Garlic Chicken and Rice

A creamy, one-pan garlic chicken and rice dish with spinach and Parmesan, ready in about 35 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup dry white rice
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • large non-stick skillet or Dutch oven with lid
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Season the cubed chicken with the garlic salt and ground black pepper.
  2. Heat a large non-stick skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and lightly spray or oil the pan; add the chicken and cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the dry white rice and pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 12–15 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is nearly tender.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach, replace the lid, and cook another 5–7 minutes until the spinach wilts and the rice finishes cooking.
  7. Remove from heat, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan until melted, then serve.

Notes

  • Use a large, well-fitted lid to retain steam while cooking the rice.
  • Bring the heavy cream to room temperature to reduce the risk of curdling.
  • Avoid lifting the lid frequently so the rice cooks evenly.
  • Stir in the Parmesan off heat so it melts into the warm rice.