Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders with Herbed Parmesan Rice: A Comforting Meal You’ll Love

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When you’re in the mood for a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting, few meals hit the mark quite like Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders with Herbed Parmesan Rice. It’s the kind of recipe that takes you straight to that warm, happy place—one where tender chicken coated in rich, garlicky butter sits atop perfectly seasoned, creamy Parmesan rice. And the best part? It’s simple to make, requires just a few pantry staples, and can quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight meal or serving it at a cozy dinner gathering, this recipe brings together the perfect balance of flavors and textures. You’ll love how easy it is to put together, and how quickly it turns into a plate of deliciousness that everyone will rave about.

In this article, you’ll discover how to prepare this garlic butter chicken tenders with herbed Parmesan rice from start to finish, along with helpful tips, nutritional insights, and suggestions for making the dish your own. So, let’s get started and bring that mouthwatering, comforting meal to life.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders with Herbed Parmesan Rice

There are so many reasons why Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders with Herbed Parmesan Rice is a recipe you’ll keep coming back to. From the tender, juicy chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce to the creamy, flavorful rice topped with freshly grated Parmesan, this dish delivers a satisfying balance of flavors that are sure to please.

• A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: The star of this dish is the rich garlic butter that infuses the chicken tenders, making each bite utterly irresistible. Paired with the creamy herbed Parmesan rice, every mouthful is a burst of flavor.
• Quick and Easy to Prepare: You won’t need hours to prepare this meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.
• Perfectly Balanced Meal: You’ll get all the essential elements of a great meal in one dish: lean protein from the chicken, satisfying carbs from the rice, and a touch of greenery with fresh parsley. This makes it a perfect option for lunch or dinner, no matter the occasion.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders with Herbed Parmesan Rice

Before you get cooking, let’s take a look at what you’ll need. The ingredients are simple yet flavorful, making it easy for you to create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredient	Amount
Chicken Tenders	1 lb
Poultry Seasoning (Cajun seasoning)	To taste
Minced Garlic	3 tablespoons (about 10 cloves)
Olive Oil	2 tablespoons
Butter	1 stick (1/2 cup), divided
Red Pepper Flakes	1/2 teaspoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Dry White Wine (Pinot Grigio preferred)	3/4 cup
White Rice (Basmati, Long Grain, Jasmine)	1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
Low Sodium Chicken Stock	2 3/4 cups
Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated or shredded)	1/2 cup
Fresh Parsley (minced)	1 tablespoon

As you prepare to dive into the cooking process, gather all your ingredients and set them aside. You’ll notice that the components are simple yet combine to create layers of flavor—garlic, butter, Parmesan, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes—all working together to create something magical.

Step-by-Step Directions for Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders with Herbed Parmesan Rice

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s go over the easy steps to get this meal on your table in no time. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than it might sound, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready to go in under an hour.

1. Seasoning and Cooking the Chicken Tenders

• Season the Chicken: Start by generously seasoning your chicken tenders with the poultry seasoning (Cajun seasoning works wonders here for a bit of heat and depth of flavor). Make sure to coat both sides evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
• Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken tenders and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and nearly cooked through. You want them to be just shy of done, as they’ll continue to cook in the garlic butter sauce.
• Add the Garlic Butter: Once the chicken is nearly cooked, lower the heat to low, and add 2 tablespoons of butter along with one tablespoon of minced garlic to the pan. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, then coat the chicken tenders in the buttery garlic sauce.
• Set Aside the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet, tent it with foil, and set it aside while you prepare the rice. This keeps the chicken warm and juicy.

2. Preparing the Herbed Parmesan Rice

• Cook the Garlic in Butter: In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the remaining minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, letting the garlic become fragrant but not burn.
• Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to reduce, concentrating the flavor of the wine.
• Add the Rice and Chicken Stock: Stir in the uncooked rice and fry it in the pan for about 5 minutes, making sure to stir frequently. The rice will begin to toast slightly and absorb the buttery garlic flavors.
• Simmer the Rice: Add the chicken stock, salt, and red pepper flakes. Bring it to a low boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

3. The Final Touches

• Stir in Parmesan Cheese: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the rice.
• Combine Chicken and Rice: While the rice is finishing up, slice the chicken tenders (or leave them whole, if you prefer) and arrange them over the rice.
• Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the reserved pan juices, softened butter, the remaining garlic, and freshly minced parsley. Microwave the mixture for about 15 seconds, then stir it well and drizzle it over the chicken and rice.
• Garnish with Extra Parmesan: If you’re a fan of extra cheese, sprinkle a little more Parmesan over the dish before serving.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders with Herbed Parmesan Rice

To help you create the perfect garlic butter chicken tenders with herbed Parmesan rice, here are a few helpful tips:

• Choosing the Right Rice: You can use any long-grain rice, but basmati, jasmine, or long-grain rice are ideal for this dish. They each have a unique texture that works well with the garlic butter and chicken stock.
• Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. This will amp up the flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can make the rice in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. This can save time on busy days when you need a quick, comforting meal.

Nutrition Facts for Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders with Herbed Parmesan Rice

It’s important to know the nutritional information for your meals, especially if you’re keeping track of your calorie intake. Here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown for this dish:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	650 kcal
Protein	40g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	38g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	750mg

This dish provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats, making it a satisfying meal that’s rich in flavor and nutrients.

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Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides that can elevate the experience even further.

• Pair with a Fresh Salad: A light side salad with fresh greens, cucumber, and a citrus vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the chicken and rice.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots bring a healthy crunch and vibrant color to your meal.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp, refreshing white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the garlic butter sauce and the richness of the Parmesan rice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

• Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Q2: What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

• If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, Pecorino Romano or another hard, grated cheese would be a good substitute.

Q3: How can I make this dish spicier?

• Add more red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a pinch of chili powder to increase the spice level.

Q4: Can I make this dish gluten-free?

• Absolutely! Just ensure that your chicken stock and any other packaged ingredients are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

Conclusion: A Simple Yet Delicious Family Favorite

There’s no better way to bring warmth and comfort to your dinner table than with Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders with Herbed Parmesan Rice. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also delivers layers of flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to become a regular in your rotation.

So, why not give it a try tonight? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and experience the magic of garlic butter chicken tenders over herbed Parmesan rice. Trust us—you’ll love it!

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