When it comes to satisfying, crave-worthy meals, Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice stands out as a showstopper. This one-pan recipe is not only incredibly flavorful and comforting, but also practical—easy to prepare, easy to clean up, and full of ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. With juicy seared chicken, rich garlic-infused butter, and perfectly cooked rice all in one pan, this is the weeknight dinner you’ll turn to again and again.
Why This Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Will Become Your Go-To Dish
The magic of this dish lies in its simple ingredients transformed into something deeply satisfying. The butter brings richness, the garlic adds punch, and the chicken provides protein and heartiness, all balanced out by tender, fluffy rice that soaks up every bit of savory flavor.
Key Advantages:
-
One pan = minimal cleanup
-
High-protein, satisfying meal
-
Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
-
Comfort food made healthier
-
Perfect for weeknights or meal prep
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
For the Chicken:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
½ teaspoon paprika
-
½ teaspoon onion powder
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Rice:
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
6 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
-
2 ¼ cups chicken broth
-
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
-
Optional: grated Parmesan or lemon zest for serving
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice
1. Season and Sear the Chicken
-
Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. It does not need to be fully cooked yet.
-
Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Onion
-
Reduce heat to medium.
-
Add butter to the same skillet and melt.
-
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn.
-
Add onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Toast the Rice
-
Add rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to coat in the garlic butter and onion.
-
Cook for 2–3 minutes, toasting lightly and infusing flavor.
4. Add Broth and Simmer
-
Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle in Italian seasoning and parsley.
-
Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
-
Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet on top of the rice.
5. Cover and Cook
-
Reduce heat to low, cover the pan tightly, and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
-
Do not uncover or stir during this time—this allows the rice to steam perfectly.
6. Rest and Serve
-
Once the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, remove the pan from heat.
-
Let sit, covered, for 5–10 minutes before serving.
-
Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
-
Garnish with extra parsley, lemon zest, or grated Parmesan if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
-
Use long grain white rice for the best texture. Avoid instant or short grain rice, which can turn mushy.
-
Rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
-
Use a tight-fitting lid during the simmering process to properly steam the rice.
-
If using bone-in chicken, increase cooking time slightly and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Flavor Boosters and Add-Ins
Elevate this dish with additional ingredients or swaps for an even more dynamic meal.
Flavor Additions:
-
Lemon juice or zest for brightness
-
Chili flakes or cayenne for heat
-
Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill
Optional Veggie Add-Ins:
-
Frozen peas or corn – stir in during the last 5 minutes
-
Chopped spinach or kale – add after cooking to wilt in residual heat
-
Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers – cook with onion for deeper flavor
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice stores beautifully, making it an excellent meal prep option.
-
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.
-
To reheat, add a splash of broth or water and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is well-rounded on its own, but can also be part of a larger meal spread.
-
Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed green beans
-
Add crusty bread or garlic toast for soaking up buttery juices
-
Serve with a glass of chilled white wine or iced tea
Healthy Variations
Looking to make this recipe even more nutritious?
-
Use brown rice for added fiber (note: increase liquid and cook time)
-
Swap butter for ghee or olive oil for a healthier fat profile
-
Add chopped zucchini or shredded carrots for extra veggies
Why This Dish Works
The key to the success of this one-pan meal lies in the balance of richness, simplicity, and bold flavor. The rice absorbs every drop of garlic butter and broth, while the chicken remains juicy and tender. Cooking everything in one skillet allows the flavors to meld together into a symphony of savory goodness that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice recipe brings together the best of comfort food and convenience. In under an hour, you can serve a dish that’s loaded with flavor, made with everyday ingredients, and leaves you with just one pan to clean. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or prepping meals ahead of time, this dish checks all the boxes for ease, taste, and versatility.
