Description
If you're craving something bold, comforting, and packed with flavor, this **Creamy Parmesan Spinach Rice with Spicy Garlic Chicken** is the dish for you. It's a perfect marriage of velvety risotto-style rice loaded with parmesan and spinach, topped with juicy garlic-glazed chicken that’s kissed with just the right amount of heat. Whether you're looking for **quick dinner ideas**, **easy meal prep**, or a **cozy one-pan recipe** that feels special without the fuss, this delivers every time. Ideal for weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests, it’s a new favorite in my **easy dinner recipe** lineup.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenders
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili flakes or 2 tsp chili paste
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp butter (divided)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup arborio rice
3 cups chicken broth (warm)
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen, chopped)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken tenders dry and season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, lower heat. Add 1 tbsp butter, garlic, soy sauce, chili paste, and honey. Stir and simmer until slightly thickened.
4. Return chicken to the skillet and coat in the glaze. Let it rest off heat.
5. In a separate pot, melt 1 tbsp butter. Sauté garlic, then stir in arborio rice. Toast for 1–2 minutes.
6. Gradually add warm chicken broth ½ cup at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed. Repeat until rice is tender and creamy (15–18 minutes).
7. Stir in spinach, letting it wilt. Add heavy cream and parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Plate the creamy rice, top with glazed chicken, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Always use warm broth for creamy rice—cold liquid interrupts the cooking process and can ruin the texture.
Don’t overcook the chicken—3–4 minutes per side is all it needs to stay juicy.
If using frozen spinach, squeeze out all excess moisture before adding it to the rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: creamy chicken recipe, garlic chicken, spinach rice, easy dinner, quick meals