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Enjoy crispy chicken bites served over flavorful garlic Parmesan rice

Chicken Bites with Garlic Parmesan Rice


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale

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