Description
Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is a comforting, easy one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy long-grain rice, and a rich garlic butter flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features flavorful seared chicken cooked together with garlic, onions, and chicken broth, resulting in a complete and satisfying family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Finish and Garnish
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season evenly with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to build the base flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat until melted and hot. Add the chicken and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Onion: Into the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the pot and stir frequently for about 2 minutes to lightly toast it, which enhances its nutty flavor and helps it absorb the broth better.
- Add Broth and Combine: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a spoon to release any browned bits for added flavor. Return the seared chicken to the pot, nestling it gently into the rice and broth mixture.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the top, and serve warm for a flavorful, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a richer, juicier flavor; chicken breasts also work well for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or green beans for added nutrition and color.
- To add brightness, include lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
- To make the dish creamier, stir in some heavy cream, cream cheese, or extra Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking.
- If using brown rice, increase the broth amount and extend cooking time accordingly.
- For spice lovers, add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños during cooking.
- This dish freezes well; cool completely and freeze in airtight containers, thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American