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One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice

One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice


  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs cooked in rich garlic butter alongside perfectly simmered long grain white rice. This easy recipe combines simplicity with indulgence, requiring minimal cleanup and ready in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Customizable with vegetables, spices, or cheese, it’s a family-friendly dish that satisfies all tastes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 tablespoons butter (plus extra if needed)
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: Reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden, taking care not to burn it to avoid bitterness.
  3. Cook the Rice: Stir the uncooked rice into the garlic butter mixture, coating the grains well. Pour in the chicken broth, then season with additional salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Return Chicken to the Pan: Nestle the seared chicken pieces into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest (covered) for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish before serving for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan while searing the chicken to ensure a nice crust forms.
  • Use long grain white rice for fluffy rice; short grain varieties may become mushy.
  • Simmer gently to prevent rice from sticking and to promote even cooking.
  • Adjust the amount of butter if you prefer a lighter or richer dish.
  • Let the dish rest covered off heat for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: one-pan, garlic butter chicken, chicken and rice, easy dinner, quick meal, skillet recipe, comforting meal, family friendly