Easy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is the perfect one-pan meal for busy days when you need a hearty, flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup. Juicy chicken is cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce and paired with tender, seasoned rice for a comforting family meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich garlic butter flavor in every bite.
• One-pan recipe for easy cooking and cleanup.
• Ready in about 45 minutes for busy weeknights.
• Family-friendly and made with simple pantry ingredients.

Quick Facts

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2¼ cups chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

How to Make

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden, then transfer to a plate.
3. Add the remaining butter to the same skillet and cook the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the rice and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast it.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, onion powder, and thyme, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 20–25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove from the heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Tips

• Use freshly minced garlic for the richest flavor.
• Keep the skillet covered while the rice cooks to ensure even steaming.
• Let the dish rest before serving so the rice absorbs the remaining liquid.
• Add peas or steamed broccoli during the last few minutes for extra vegetables.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is a simple yet comforting dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week. With juicy chicken, buttery garlic flavor, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s a dependable recipe you’ll want to make again and again.