Savory Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice and Broccoli

Name: Savory Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice and Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed; 4 cups chicken broth; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 lemon, zested; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Recipe By:

Juliette

Posted:

June 15, 2025

Updated:

June 15, 2025

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Savory Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice and Broccoli are a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken, flavorful rice, and vibrant broccoli. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week. The standout feature of this dish is the rich flavor of Parmesan cheese paired with garlic-infused rice and perfectly cooked broccoli, making it a crowd-pleaser on any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This recipe is simple enough for beginner cooks, yet impressive enough for special occasions.
Flavorful Components: Each element—chicken bites, garlic rice, and broccoli—adds its own delicious flavor to the dish.
Versatile Meal: Perfect for dinner or as leftovers for lunch; it suits various dietary needs and preferences.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from broccoli, making it a balanced meal.
Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 35 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking Savory Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice and Broccoli, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Shallow dishes for breading
Medium saucepan
Baking sheet
Cutting board
Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: Essential for frying the chicken evenly and achieving that golden-brown crust.
Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking the garlic rice perfectly without burning or sticking.
Cutting board & chef’s knife: Crucial for preparing ingredients quickly and safely.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp butter

For the Garlic Rice:
2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
4 cups chicken broth
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 lemon, zested
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Broccoli:
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Savory Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice and Broccoli

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°F to keep the chicken warm while you cook it in batches.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In three shallow dishes:
1. Combine flour with salt and pepper in one dish.
2. Beat eggs in another dish.
3. In the third dish, mix together Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Coat and Cook the Chicken

Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture.
Dip it into the beaten eggs.
Finally, coat thoroughly with the Parmesan cheese mixture.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes per batch. Place cooked chicken on a baking sheet in the preheated oven.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Rice

In a medium saucepan:
* Heat olive oil over medium heat.
* Add minced garlic; cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
* Stir in rinsed rice until coated with oil.
* Pour in chicken broth; bring to a boil.
* Lower heat to low; cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork before stirring in parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Prepare the Broccoli

While rice cooks:
* Steam or sauté broccoli florets. For sautéing:
– Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add minced garlic; cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
– Toss broccoli florets into garlic-infused oil; pour in chicken broth.
– Cover; cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove lid; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper (add red pepper flakes if desired). Cook another minute until melted.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Divide garlic rice among plates. Top with savory Parmesan chicken bites alongside garlic Parmesan broccoli. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Savory Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice and Broccoli!

How to Serve Savory Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice and Broccoli

Serving Savory Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice and Broccoli is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit various occasions. Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering, these bites can shine on any table.

Presentation Ideas

Plating: Arrange the chicken bites artfully on a large platter, drizzling some extra garlic sauce from the broccoli around for added flavor.
Garnish: Top with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an inviting touch.

Accompaniments

Salad: Pair with a light arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken bites.
Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover juices on the plate.

Beverage Pairings

White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc complements the savory flavors beautifully.
Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon refreshes the palate.

How to Perfect Savory Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice and Broccoli

Perfecting Savory Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice and Broccoli requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Here are ways to elevate your dish:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality Parmesan will enhance flavor significantly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking chicken in batches ensures even cooking and crispy texture.
Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper levels before serving for best results.
Rest Before Serving: Allow cooked chicken bites to rest for a few minutes to retain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Savory Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice and Broccoli

When it comes to side dishes, selecting complementary flavors will enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—perfect for mopping up sauces.
Caesar Salad: A classic salad that adds crunch and creaminess with its rich dressing.
Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a fresh, earthy element to your plate.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort alongside the savory chicken bites.
Coleslaw: The crunch of coleslaw offers contrast while balancing out richer flavors.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the savory bites perfectly, especially in summer months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Savory Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice and Broccoli can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too much chicken at once can lower the temperature of the pan, leading to steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches for a crispy texture.
Skipping Seasoning: Failing to season each layer properly can result in bland flavors. Make sure to season the flour, eggs, and cheese mixtures generously.
Not Preheating the Oven: Forgetting to preheat the oven can affect keeping your chicken warm after cooking. Preheat it to 200°F before starting to cook.
Using Cold Ingredients: Cold chicken or cold eggs can lead to uneven cooking. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before starting.
Neglecting to Fluff the Rice: Not fluffing the rice after cooking may cause it to clump together. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently and incorporate air.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make sure the dish is completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing Savory Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice and Broccoli

Freeze in separate containers for optimal quality, ensuring they’re airtight.
Can be stored for up to 3 months for best flavor.

Reheating Savory Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice and Broccoli

Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place on a baking sheet covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), checking often.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make savory Parmesan chicken bites crispy?

To achieve crispiness, ensure you properly coat the chicken pieces with flour and then with the Parmesan mixture. Cooking them in batches prevents overcrowding, which helps maintain high heat.

Can I substitute rice with another grain?

Yes! You can use quinoa or cauliflower rice as alternatives. Just adjust the liquid ratios based on your chosen grain’s requirements.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers of Savory Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice and Broccoli will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator if stored properly.

What sides pair well with this recipe?

This dish goes well with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for added nutrition and balance.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch, and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

These Savory Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice and Broccoli are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding different vegetables or spices based on your preferences. This dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep for busy weekdays. Give it a try and enjoy a delightful meal!