Skillet Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole

The aroma of roasted garlic and tender chicken mingling with perfectly cooked rice is just the beginning of this mouthwatering Skillet Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole. This one-pan wonder combines the comfort of homestyle cooking with the convenience modern cooks crave. Each bite delivers savory flavors that have been developing as the ingredients simmer together in perfect harmony. You’ll learn how to create a restaurant-quality meal that comes together with minimal effort but maximum flavor impact, all in one trusty skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Skillet Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole is about to become your new weeknight hero. First, it’s the ultimate convenience meal—everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes and less cleanup time. The combination of textures is simply irresistible: juicy, tender chicken thighs with their slightly crispy skin rest atop fluffy rice that has absorbed all the savory flavors from the broth and seasonings.

The robust garlic flavor infuses every grain of rice, while fresh herbs add brightness to balance the richness. Unlike many casseroles that require pre-cooking multiple components, this skillet version streamlines the process without sacrificing flavor. The rice develops a delightful golden crust on the bottom that provides a subtle textural contrast to the tender grains above.

Perfect for busy families, meal prep enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates efficient cooking with impressive results, this chicken and rice dish delivers comfort food satisfaction with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

For the Skillet Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole, you’ll need:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs/900g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup/160g)
• 8-10 garlic cloves, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1½ cups long-grain white rice (300g)
• 3 cups chicken broth (720ml)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (15g)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) (50g)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

The bone-in chicken thighs are essential for their rich flavor and moisture that infuses the rice. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for authentic flavor in this garlic chicken casserole, while good-quality chicken broth creates the foundation for perfectly seasoned rice.

Pro Tips

Balance the Browning
For the perfect Skillet Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole, take your time when browning the chicken. This crucial step develops deep flavor through the Maillard reaction. Start with a properly heated skillet and don’t crowd the chicken pieces. Allow 5-7 minutes per side until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. This initial sear not only creates flavor but ensures the chicken will have that appealing texture contrast when served.

Garlic Management
Properly cooking the garlic is essential to avoid bitterness. Add minced garlic to the skillet after the onions have softened and become translucent. Cook for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant before adding the rice. This brief cooking period releases the aromatic compounds without risking burnt garlic, which would impart an unpleasant taste to your entire casserole.

Perfect Rice Technique
For perfectly cooked rice, resist the urge to stir once you’ve returned the chicken to the skillet. After adding the broth and rice, give everything one good stir to ensure even distribution, then let it be. This allows a slight crust to form on the bottom (similar to Spanish socarrat) while ensuring the rice cooks evenly. If the rice seems too firm when the cooking time is up, add ¼ cup more broth, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Instructions

Step 1
Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This ensures proper browning and flavor development for your Skillet Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Step 2
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot oil. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side. You’re not cooking the chicken through at this point—just developing color and flavor.

Step 3
Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a plate and reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt while scraping up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom. These little treasures are pure gold for flavoring your rice!

Step 4
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown or burn.

Step 5
Stir in the rice, coating it thoroughly with the butter and aromatics. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This develops nutty flavors that will elevate your Skillet Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Step 6
Pour in the chicken broth and add dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up on top of the rice. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 8
For an extra-crispy finish, remove the lid and place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the chicken skin crisps up beautifully. Watch carefully to prevent burning!

Step 9
Remove the bay leaves, sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese. Let the Skillet Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving with lemon wedges for a bright finish.

Variations

Mediterranean Inspired
Transform your Skillet Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole with Mediterranean flavors by adding 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup of pitted Kalamata olives, and 1 tablespoon of capers to the rice before simmering. Substitute the dried herbs with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning and finish with crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan. The bright, briny flavors complement the garlic and chicken beautifully while taking your taste buds on a coastal journey.

Creamy Mushroom Version
For a richer, earthier take on this one-pan wonder, add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini or button work well) after cooking the onions. Sauté until golden brown, then proceed with the recipe as directed. Before serving, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and an extra ¼ cup of grated Parmesan for a luxurious finish to your garlic chicken with rice. This variation creates a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings.

Dairy-Free Option
Make this dish accessible for those avoiding dairy by replacing butter with additional olive oil and omitting the Parmesan cheese. For added flavor, incorporate nutritional yeast (2 tablespoons) into the rice for a cheesy note without the dairy. This simple adaptation maintains the dish’s delicious profile while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Skillet Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, separate the chicken from the rice before reheating. Warm the rice in a covered microwave-safe dish with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture, while the chicken can be reheated in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to maintain its crispy skin.

For an impressive presentation, serve this garlic chicken rice dish directly in the skillet at the center of your table, garnished with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish.

Transform leftovers into a delicious lunch by shredding the chicken and mixing it with the rice, then stuffing the mixture into bell peppers before baking until heated through. Alternatively, create a hearty soup by simmering leftover chicken and rice with additional broth and vegetables for a completely new meal experience.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time to prevent dryness. Brown them for just 2-3 minutes per side initially, and check for doneness after about 15 minutes of simmering with the rice. The final internal temperature should still reach 165°F.

What can I use instead of white rice?
Brown rice works well but requires additional liquid (about ½ cup more) and longer cooking time (35-40 minutes). Alternatively, try wild rice or a rice blend, adjusting the liquid and cooking time accordingly. Avoid instant rice as it will become mushy.

My rice turned out mushy/undercooked. What went wrong?
For undercooked rice, your heat may have been too high or the lid not tight enough. Add ¼ cup more broth, cover tightly, and cook for 5-10 more minutes. For mushy rice, you likely used too much liquid or overcooked it. Next time, ensure your measurements are precise and set a timer.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare through Step 5, then refrigerate. When ready to cook, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then add broth and chicken and proceed with cooking. Alternatively, fully cook the dish, cool completely, and refrigerate. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Cool the Skillet Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).

Conclusion

This Skillet Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and perfectly seasoned rice that creates a complete meal with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknights into special occasions while still being practical enough for regular rotation in your meal planning. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this one-pan wonder delivers both convenience and flavor in every bite.

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