Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice

The rich aroma of sizzling butter and roasted garlic fills your kitchen as this Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice comes together in one pan. This comforting, flavor-packed dish combines tender chicken thighs with fluffy rice, all coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce that seeps into every grain. Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for company, this recipe balances simplicity with incredible flavor. You’ll learn how to create perfectly cooked chicken with crispy skin alongside rice that absorbs all those wonderful juices and aromatics.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is about to become your new favorite one-pan wonder. The combination of crispy-skinned chicken nestled on a bed of buttery, garlic-infused rice creates an irresistible texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more. The rice absorbs the savory chicken juices as it cooks, resulting in grains bursting with flavor rather than bland side dish afterthoughts.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and efficiency. Everything cooks in one pan, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor development. The dish works equally well for a quick Tuesday dinner or as the star of a weekend gathering with friends. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

The gentle caramelization of garlic in butter creates a nutty, aromatic base that transforms ordinary chicken and rice into something truly crave-worthy. Best of all, this dish requires very little hands-on time, letting your oven do most of the work while you handle other tasks.

Ingredients

For this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice, you’ll need:

• 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs/900g)
• 1½ cups (300g) long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 2½ cups (600ml) chicken broth, preferably low-sodium
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, divided
• 8 garlic cloves, finely minced (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs or herbes de Provence
• 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

The chicken thighs are essential for this recipe as they remain juicy while developing crispy skin. The rice variety matters too—long-grain rice keeps its structure and doesn’t become mushy during the longer cooking process. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here; pre-minced versions won’t deliver the same aromatic punch that makes this garlic chicken with rice dish so special.

Pro Tips

Prep the Rice Properly
Always rinse your rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch that can make your Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice gummy rather than fluffy. After rinsing, drain well to ensure your liquid-to-rice ratio stays accurate. This simple step makes a remarkable difference in the final texture of your dish.

Perfect Chicken Technique
For that coveted crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Start them skin-side down in a cold pan, then gradually increase the heat. This slowly renders the fat and creates shatteringly crisp skin without burning. Don’t rush this step—it’s worth the extra few minutes for properly rendered, golden-brown chicken.

Garlic Management
The secret to perfect garlic flavor without bitterness is careful heat control. Add the garlic only after reducing the heat, and stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Burnt garlic will ruin your garlic butter rice, so watch it carefully. For an even more pronounced garlic flavor, reserve one tablespoon of the garlic-butter mixture to brush on the chicken during the final 5 minutes of cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper, plus half of the paprika. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while you prep other ingredients, allowing for more even cooking.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Base
In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Reduce heat to medium-low, add the minced garlic, and cook for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that forms the foundation of your Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Remove half of the garlic butter mixture and set aside. Increase heat to medium-high and place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side, then transfer chicken to a plate temporarily.

Step 4: Prepare the Rice Base
To the same pan with the remaining fat and fond (those flavorful browned bits), add the rinsed and drained rice. Stir to coat each grain in the flavorful fat for about 1 minute. Add the dried herbs, remaining paprika, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Combine and Bake
Bring the liquid to a simmer, then nestle the seared chicken thighs on top, skin-side up. Be careful not to submerge the crispy skin. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the cover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the rice has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
While the dish is completing its final uncovered bake, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with the reserved garlic butter mixture. Five minutes before the chicken is done, brush this mixture over the chicken skin for an extra flavor boost. Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving your perfectly cooked Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice.

Variations

Lemon Herb Garlic Chicken and Rice
Transform this dish by adding the zest of one lemon along with the juice already called for, and double the fresh herbs. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh thyme and rosemary to the rice before baking. This bright, herbaceous variation makes the Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice perfect for spring and summer gatherings, adding a Mediterranean flair that pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine.

Mushroom Garlic Butter Chicken
For an earthy, umami-rich twist, add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or a mix) to the pan after cooking the onions. Sauté until golden brown before adding the garlic. The mushrooms release their moisture as they cook with the chicken, infusing the rice with deep, complex flavors. This variation of garlic chicken with rice is particularly satisfying during colder months.

Spicy Cajun Style
Replace the Italian herbs with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, add a diced bell pepper with the onions, and stir in a minced jalapeño with the garlic for heat. This bold variation turns your Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice into a Louisiana-inspired dish that’s perfect for those who enjoy a kick of spice with their comfort food.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the garlic and butter continue to infuse the rice. For reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent the rice from drying out, then warm in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or microwave at 70% power to maintain the chicken’s moisture.

For freezing, separate the chicken from the rice for best results. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

When serving this Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice fresh, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For an elegant presentation, serve on a large platter with the chicken arranged over the rice, garnished with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges. This one-pan dish also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.

For a special touch, serve with warm crusty bread for soaking up the remaining garlic butter sauce – none of those delicious flavors should go to waste!

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or even breasts, but reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes. Bone-in pieces provide more flavor and help prevent the chicken from drying out during the longer cooking time needed for the rice.

Why is my rice still crunchy after the recommended cooking time?
This usually happens if your oven runs cool or if the lid/foil wasn’t sealed tightly enough. If the rice isn’t fully cooked, add ¼ cup more broth or water, re-cover tightly, and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes.

Can I make this Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice ahead of time?
You can prepare components ahead: sear the chicken and prepare the rice base, then refrigerate separately. Combine and bake just before serving. The dish reheats well but is at its crispy best when freshly made.

What’s the best rice variety to use?
Long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine works best. Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time—if using brown rice, add an extra ½ cup of broth and 15-20 minutes to the covered baking time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice recipe as written is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth doesn’t contain any gluten additives if serving to someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is comfort food at its finest — a symphony of savory garlic, rich butter, and tender chicken that transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with anticipation and leaves them thoroughly satisfied. Whether you’re cooking for family on a weeknight or entertaining friends on the weekend, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. Master this recipe, and you’ll have a reliable, impressive dish in your cooking repertoire that’s sure to become a requested favorite.

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