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One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice

One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice
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One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs cook in a rich garlic butter sauce alongside fluffy, savory rice all in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste. This easy recipe infuses the chicken and rice with delicious garlic butter, making it a family-friendly dish that’s both satisfying and adaptable.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce and Rice

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the pan. Cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes, then flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same pan. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute—avoid burning. This forms the flavorful base that will coat the chicken and rice.
  3. Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the garlic butter sauce and stir well to coat each grain. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently, allowing it to soak up the butter and garlic aroma before adding liquid.
  4. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, skin side up, on top of the rice. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover the pan.
  5. Cook Until Tender: Let everything cook gently for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. The chicken should be fully cooked, juicy, and infused with garlic butter flavors.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top if desired, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Choose skin-on chicken thighs for crispy skin and moist meat.
  • Don’t skip toasting the rice to boost nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
  • Use fresh garlic for vibrant and rich flavor; avoid garlic powder.
  • Keep the simmer low when cooking rice to avoid burning or sticking.
  • Let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the rice to fully fluff.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, garlic butter chicken, chicken and rice, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten free

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/one-pan-garlic-butter-chicken-and-rice/