Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is the kind of dinner that makes you sigh with relief—flavorful, filling, and effortlessly easy. It’s a dish where golden-seared chicken meets fluffy, buttery rice infused with garlic and herbs, all cooked in one skillet for ultimate ease. Whether you're feeding your family on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a game-changer.
Why Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Is the Perfect One-Pot Meal
This dish combines everything we love—tender chicken, aromatic garlic, buttery richness, and comforting rice—in a single pan. It's fast, flavorful, and satisfying enough to stand on its own, though it pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
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1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Garlic Butter Rice:
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
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2¼ cups chicken broth
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it burn!). Stir in the rice, toasting it gently for 2–3 minutes to soak up all the garlicky flavor.
Step 3: Add the Liquid and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in Italian seasoning and onion powder. Bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Nestle in the Chicken
Place the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let everything cook for 20–25 minutes, until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Fluff the rice, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and drizzle with lemon juice if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice
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One Pan = Less Mess: Cleanup is a breeze when everything cooks in the same skillet.
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Maximum Flavor, Minimal Effort: The garlic butter infuses every bite with richness and depth.
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Perfect Texture: Searing the chicken first locks in juices, and finishing it over the rice keeps it tender.
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Customizable: Add veggies, swap proteins, or change seasonings to fit your taste.
Tips for Success
1. Use Long-Grain Rice
Long-grain white rice yields the best fluffy, non-sticky texture. Avoid quick-cook or instant varieties.
2. Don’t Skip the Sear
Searing the chicken creates a flavorful crust and builds depth for the entire dish.
3. Let It Rest
Let the skillet sit covered for 5 minutes off the heat after cooking. This helps the rice finish steaming and absorb extra flavor.
4. Add Veggies
Toss in chopped spinach, peas, or diced carrots in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a veggie boost.
Tasty Variations to Try
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice
Stir in ¼ cup of cream or grated Parmesan cheese at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
Spicy Version
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Mushroom and Herb Chicken Rice
Add sliced mushrooms and thyme for an earthy, herbaceous twist.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze for up to 2 months—reheat with a splash of broth or water.
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Meal Prep Friendly: Divide into containers for grab-and-go lunches or freezer meals.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice
Although it’s a complete meal, you can elevate it with:
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A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
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Roasted green beans or Brussels sprouts
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Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls
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Steamed broccoli with lemon
Nutritional Benefits
This recipe strikes a satisfying balance of lean protein, carbohydrates, and flavorful fats:
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Chicken provides high-quality protein for muscle repair and satiety.
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Garlic supports heart health and immune function.
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Butter, in moderation, adds richness and fat-soluble vitamins.
You can lighten it up by using less butter, low-sodium broth, or skinless chicken breasts.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is the kind of effortless one-pan dinner that brings maximum comfort with minimal dishes. With juicy chicken, fragrant garlic, and buttery rice that soaks up every last drop of flavor, this dish is sure to become a regular rotation staple. From cozy weeknights to meal prep sessions, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
