Dinner

Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Cauliflower Rice

Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Cauliflower Rice is a quick and delicious low-carb, gluten-free dinner option, perfect for busy weeknights. This flavorful dish features thin, crispy chicken cutlets paired with fragrant cauliflower rice cooked in garlic butter and topped with fresh parmesan. It’s the perfect balance of savory and creamy, making it a go-to for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying yet healthy meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally to make 4 pieces
  • 1/2 cup fresh parmesan, finely grated
  • Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
  • 2 large cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)

For the Cauliflower Rice:

  • 3 cups riced cauliflower (about 1 medium head)
  • 1/2 cup white onion, chopped
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable stock
  • Juice of 1 lemon (+ zest, if desired)
  • Red chili pepper flakes, optional
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

For the Chicken:

  1. In a shallow plate, combine parmesan, grated garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the parmesan mixture, shaking off excess.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

For the Cauliflower Rice:

  1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the garlic and onion, frying for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the riced cauliflower to the skillet and cook, stirring regularly for about 1 minute.
  3. Stir in the vegetable stock, half of the parsley, and lemon zest. Cook for another minute to reduce the liquid, then add lemon juice and leftover parmesan cheese (optional).
  4. Adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in the remaining parsley.
  5. Return the chicken over the cauliflower rice to reheat quickly. Serve with fresh cracked black pepper, red chili flakes, and more parmesan.

Nutrients

  • Calories: 280
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbs: 5g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 26g

A Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Meal

In today’s world, many people are looking for low-carb or gluten-free meal options that still pack a punch in terms of flavor. Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Cauliflower Rice is a perfect solution to this need. The dish is based around cauliflower rice, which is a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional rice. Not only does cauliflower rice provide a similar texture to rice, but it is also much lower in calories and carbohydrates, making it a healthy choice for those watching their carb intake or following a gluten-free diet.

The chicken in this dish is naturally gluten-free, and the addition of parmesan cheese adds a rich, creamy texture to the meal without the need for heavy sauces or starches. By swapping out traditional grains for cauliflower rice, you get all the comfort of a hearty meal, without the heavy carbohydrates typically associated with pasta or rice.

Crispy, Flavorful Chicken Cutlets

The star of this dish is the juicy and crispy chicken cutlets. The chicken breasts are halved horizontally to create thinner cutlets, which ensures they cook quickly and evenly. The chicken is seasoned with a combination of fresh parmesan, garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning, giving it an aromatic and savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich garlic butter cauliflower rice.

When cooked in butter, the chicken becomes golden brown and crispy on the outside, while staying tender and juicy on the inside. The parmesan crust provides a slight crunch and a burst of flavor, while the garlic and seasoning infuse the chicken with depth. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of textures, making this dish a treat for the senses.

The Garlic Butter Cauliflower Rice

One of the best parts of this dish is the garlic butter cauliflower rice. Riced cauliflower, when cooked properly, offers a delicate and fluffy texture that is a perfect base for the garlic butter sauce. The rice takes on the flavors of the garlic, onion, and butter, creating a savory side dish that complements the crispy chicken.

The process of cooking the cauliflower rice is simple yet flavorful. The garlic and onion are sautéed in butter until fragrant, allowing the base of the dish to develop rich and savory notes. Then, the cauliflower rice is added and cooked for just a minute to soften and soak up the flavors of the garlic butter. The vegetable stock provides a bit of moisture and enhances the taste, while the lemon zest and juice give the rice a refreshing, tangy kick.

The addition of fresh parsley not only brings color to the dish but also adds a touch of herbaceous flavor, making the cauliflower rice a well-rounded side that could easily stand alone or complement other main dishes. The final touch of parmesan cheese adds a creamy richness that ties everything together, ensuring that each bite is both satisfying and indulgent.

The Benefits of Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice has become a popular choice for many health-conscious individuals due to its low-carb, nutrient-rich profile. This vegetable rice substitute is an excellent source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, making it a great choice for boosting your overall health. Cauliflower is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to support digestion, making it a highly beneficial food to include in your diet.

In addition to being healthy, cauliflower rice is incredibly versatile. It can be flavored in many ways, just like traditional rice, and works well in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to grain bowls. In this recipe, the garlic butter sauce enhances the natural flavor of the cauliflower, turning it into a creamy and flavorful side that will satisfy both low-carb eaters and anyone looking for a lighter meal option.

A Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is its speed and ease of preparation. Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Cauliflower Rice can be made in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want a healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The chicken cooks quickly due to its thinner cut, and the cauliflower rice is ready in just a few minutes, so the whole dish can be prepared and on the table in no time.

The recipe is also flexible, allowing you to adjust the flavors to suit your personal preferences. You can easily add extra vegetables, swap out the herbs and seasonings, or make the dish spicier by incorporating more chili flakes or hot sauce. The simplicity of the recipe allows for customization, ensuring that it works for a variety of dietary needs and flavor profiles.

Balancing Savory and Creamy Flavors

The balance of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors in this dish is what makes it so appealing. The chicken is crispy and flavorful, while the cauliflower rice is soft, buttery, and slightly tangy from the lemon juice. The richness of the butter and the creaminess of the parmesan combine to create a satisfying meal that doesn’t feel heavy. The acidity from the lemon and the freshness from the parsley add bright notes, cutting through the richness and keeping the dish from feeling overly indulgent.

Each component of this dish is designed to complement the others, making every bite a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The garlic butter sauce on the cauliflower rice adds moisture to the dish, while the crispy chicken provides a satisfying contrast. Together, they create a meal that is both balanced and indulgent without being overly heavy.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Cauliflower Rice is also an excellent choice for meal prep. The chicken and cauliflower rice can be made ahead of time and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to have a healthy, low-carb meal ready to go throughout the week. When reheating, simply microwave or reheat in a skillet to warm everything through.

If you’re planning to serve this dish for a crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe, ensuring there’s plenty for everyone. The ingredients are affordable and widely available, making it a cost-effective meal that’s perfect for both small families and large gatherings.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Healthy Meal

Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Cauliflower Rice is a delicious and healthy option that is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying meal without the extra carbs or gluten. The crispy chicken paired with the flavorful cauliflower rice creates a balanced and indulgent dish that is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep solution, this dish delivers both flavor and nutrition in every bite.

With its simple ingredients, quick cooking time, and endless customization options, Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Cauliflower Rice is a dish that caters to various tastes and dietary preferences. Its rich, savory flavor combined with the lightness of cauliflower rice makes it a crowd-pleasing choice that will leave everyone satisfied. So, the next time you’re in need of a delicious, low-carb dinner, look no further than this flavorful recipe.

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