Bold Creamy Parmesan Spinach Rice With Spicy Garlic Chicken
A creamy, cheesy Parmesan rice base meets spicy garlic chicken and tender wilted spinach—comfort food that’s easy yet bold.
Ingredients
For the Spicy Garlic Chicken:
- 600 g about 1.3 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Spinach Rice:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 720 ml 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 240 g 1¼ cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 180 ml ¾ cup heavy cream
- 60 g ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 100 g about 3 packed cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
For Garnish:
- 1 –2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high.
- Cook 6–8 minutes, turning until golden and fully cooked (165 °F / 74 °C). Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add broth, bring to a simmer. Stir in rice, cover, and cook on medium-low for 15–20 minutes until tender and broth is absorbed.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan until smooth. Season to taste. Add spinach and stir until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine and warm through, letting everything soak up the creamy sauce.