There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm plate of garlic butter chicken and rice. I mean, who can resist the irresistible aroma of garlic sizzling in butter? This dish is a hearty masterpiece that brings together tender chicken thighs, infused with rich garlic butter flavor, and fluffy rice that soaks up all those delicious juices. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s not just easy to whip up but also packs a punch of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, garlic butter chicken and rice is the perfect go-to meal that feels like a hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be craving it again and again!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to create your delicious garlic butter chicken and rice. I promise, having everything ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother!
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup rice (I love using long-grain, but feel free to use your favorite!)
- 2 cups chicken broth (homemade if you have it, but store-bought works perfectly too)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for a touch of warmth and color)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for that pop of color and freshness on top)
Make sure to have everything measured out and ready before you start cooking—trust me, it makes a world of difference! Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice
Now, let’s dive into the magic of preparing garlic butter chicken and rice! This dish comes together beautifully in just a few straightforward steps. I promise, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. This helps to build that amazing flavor right from the start!
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Listen for that lovely sizzle—it’s the sound of flavor coming to life!
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until it’s fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can be bitter.
- Now it’s time for the chicken! Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet and cook until they’re golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. You want that nice color for extra flavor.
- Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This will allow us to focus on the rice!
- Add the rice directly into the skillet and stir it around, coating it with that delicious garlic butter. This is where the magic really starts to happen!
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it all to a boil. Don’t forget to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan!
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and return the chicken to the skillet. Cover it up and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is when the rice cooks and absorbs all those wonderful flavors.
- After 20 minutes, check to see if the rice is fluffy and the chicken is tender. If everything looks and smells amazing, garnish with fresh parsley before serving!
And there you have it! A mouthwatering plate of garlic butter chicken and rice that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen and makes your taste buds dance!
- One-pan wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup for you. Who doesn’t love that?
- Quick and easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty meal ready in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
- Comforting and filling: This dish is truly satisfying, with tender chicken and fluffy rice that makes every bite feel like a warm hug.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!
Trust me, once you try this garlic butter chicken and rice, it’ll become a staple in your home cooking rotation!
Tips for Success
To make your garlic butter chicken and rice truly shine, here are some of my best tips! First, if you want an extra depth of flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless; they tend to be juicier! Don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of garlic based on how much you love that rich flavor—more garlic means more yum!
Also, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken—just add it towards the end of cooking to warm through. And keep an eye on the rice; every stove is a little different, so check for doneness a few minutes early. Finally, feel free to toss in some veggies, like peas or spinach, during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color. You got this!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of garlic butter chicken and rice. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use or if you make any modifications to the recipe.
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
This hearty meal is not only delicious but also packed with protein to keep you satisfied. So, dig in and enjoy every flavorful bite without any guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While I love the juiciness of chicken thighs, boneless chicken breasts can work just as well. Just be mindful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily.
What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
I personally recommend long-grain rice because it cooks up fluffy and pairs perfectly with the garlic butter chicken. However, you can also use jasmine or basmati rice for a lovely aromatic touch!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Sure! You can prepare the chicken and rice separately and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to store them in airtight containers in the fridge!
How can I add veggies to this recipe?
Great question! You can toss in some chopped bell peppers, peas, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll add nutrition and color to your dish without extra fuss!
What should I serve with garlic butter chicken and rice?
While this dish is hearty on its own, I love serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It’s all about balance!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of this delicious garlic butter chicken and rice (which, trust me, is a rarity!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep all that flavor intact. Simply transfer the cooled chicken and rice to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should last about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze!
To reheat, you can use the microwave—just add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Alternatively, you can warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little butter or broth to bring back that creamy consistency. Just make sure it’s heated through before diving in! Enjoy every bite all over again!
Serving Suggestions
While garlic butter chicken and rice is a star on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal to new heights! I love serving it alongside a simple green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to add a refreshing crunch. Roasted or steamed vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, complement the richness of the dish beautifully. You can also whip up some garlic bread for that extra touch of indulgence. Trust me, a slice of warm garlic bread on the side makes every bite of chicken and rice even more delightful!
For more information on the health benefits of garlic, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the nutritional value of chicken, visit this Chicken Farmers of Canada page.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice: 5 Simple Steps to Joy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic butter chicken and rice is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender chicken with garlic-infused butter and fluffy rice.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the garlic butter.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, return the chicken to the skillet, and cover.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor.
- Adjust garlic amount based on preference.
- Serve with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken and rice, chicken recipe, rice recipe, garlic chicken
