Description
Creamy Parmesan Spinach Rice with Spicy Garlic Chicken is a rich, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender seasoned chicken, creamy Parmesan rice, and fresh spinach. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners with bold savory flavor and a gentle kick of heat.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Add the chopped spinach and stir until wilted.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mix well, and cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
Brown rice can be substituted but will require additional broth and cooking time.
Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Replace spinach with kale for a heartier green.
Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently with a splash of broth, milk, or cream to restore the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
