One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is a quick and comforting dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with flavorful, buttery rice cooked all in one pan. The tender chicken paired with aromatic garlic and a rich butter sauce creates a texture that’s both creamy and satisfying. This recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights. For another simple chicken dinner option, try my Easy Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Breasts for extra flavor variety.
Why You'll Love One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice - Easy Comfort Dinner
Whip up this One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner packed with tender chicken and buttery rice in under 40 minutes.
- Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal cleanup
- One-pot method makes cooking and cleanup super easy
- Rich garlic butter sauce that flavors both chicken and rice
- Perfect weeknight meal that’s family-friendly and budget-friendly
Ingredients for One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice - Easy Comfort Dinner
Chicken breasts: Use fresh or thawed for best texture; boneless skinless preferred for even cooking. Thighs can substitute but adjust cooking time.Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for fluffy texture; brown rice will take longer to cook.
- Chicken breasts: Use fresh or thawed for best texture; boneless skinless preferred for even cooking. Thighs can substitute but adjust cooking time.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for fluffy texture; brown rice will take longer to cook.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice - Easy Comfort Dinner are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice - Easy Comfort Dinner
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare and brown chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken on both sides until golden but not fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté aromatics: Add remaining butter to the skillet, then sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Add rice and broth: Stir in the rice to coat in butter and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and stir well. Bring to a simmer.
Expert Tips for One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice - Easy Comfort Dinner
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven for even heat distribution.
- Toast the rice for added nutty flavor and better texture.
- Let the dish rest after cooking to finish steaming the rice perfectly.
One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice - Easy Comfort Dinner
Whip up this One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner packed with tender chicken and buttery rice in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
How to Make One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice
- Prepare and brown chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken on both sides until golden but not fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add remaining butter to the skillet, then sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add rice and broth: Stir in the rice to coat in butter and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and stir well. Bring to a simmer.
- Combine and cook: Nestle chicken pieces into the rice mixture. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F). Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice - Easy Comfort Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can prepare and cook it ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Vegetable broth or water with added seasonings can be used, though broth enhances flavor best.
Place in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
If rice is dry, you may have used too little liquid or cooked uncovered. If soggy, too much liquid or overcooking could be the cause.
You Might Also Like
- Melt-In-Your-Mouth Baked Chicken
- Easy Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Breasts Chicken Dinner Recipe
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake Recipe – Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Before You Go
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