Description

This cozy dinner brings pure comfort to your plate — juicy golden chicken smothered in creamy garlic sauce, served over fluffy buttered rice with tender roasted broccoli. Every bite is rich, flavorful, and satisfying — Southern-style comfort meets simple weeknight ease. Perfect for family dinners or a quiet evening at home, this dish combines indulgent flavors with straightforward cooking techniques, making it approachable for cooks of all levels.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Sauce:
1 lb chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Buttered Rice:
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth or water
2 tbsp butter
Salt, to taste

For the Roasted Broccoli:
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Stir in the rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter until fully melted and the rice is glossy.
Roast the Broccoli
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15–18 minutes until tender and lightly charred.
Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme. In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in Parmesan. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
Combine & Serve
Return chicken to the skillet and coat with sauce. Serve over buttered rice with roasted broccoli on the side. Spoon extra sauce over everything and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the rice in a dry skillet for a few minutes before cooking.
Avoid overcrowding the chicken in the skillet to ensure proper searing.
Roasted broccoli can be finished with a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat well with a splash of broth or cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes