Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice

By Adeline

Published on August 1, 2025

Oh, let me tell you about a dish that consistently steals the show in my kitchen. It’s my go-to for those busy weeknights when you still crave something truly comforting and deeply flavorful. This delightful Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice offers succulent bone-in thighs nestled in perfectly cooked rice.

I find myself making this incredibly easy one-pan meal at least once a month. It’s perfect for family dinners, and honestly, the leftovers are just as divine. Friends often ask for the recipe, which always makes me smile.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice constantly earns rave reviews in my house. Truly, it’s a lifesaver for those hectic weeknights; the prep is so speedy! Plus, everything bakes right in one pan, which means minimal cleanup. The rich flavor of the garlic butter chicken just melts in your mouth. It truly feels like a gourmet meal with little effort. This dish also makes wonderful leftovers for lunch the next day.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Ingredients

Gathering the ingredients for this dish feels like assembling a cozy, flavorful orchestra. Each element plays a crucial part in creating that rich, comforting taste we all crave.

Core Ingredients for a Flavorful Meal

Bone-in chicken thighs: These promise juicy, tender meat that stays moist.
Sweet or smoked paprika: This adds a lovely, warm color and a smoky depth.
Dried thyme or mixed herbs: They bring an earthy, aromatic note to the chicken.
Garlic powder: This provides a concentrated garlic punch, mellowing nicely when baked.
Salt and fresh black pepper: Essential for seasoning, they truly make the flavors sing.
Butter: Oh, butter is the star! It creates that amazing garlic butter sauce.
Yellow onion (diced): This adds a foundational sweetness and aroma.
Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic brings a vibrant, pungent flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Long grain white rice: This becomes wonderfully tender, soaking up all the delicious juices.
Low-sodium chicken broth: It gives the rice a savory base and keeps things moist.
Hot water: This helps the rice cook perfectly without getting sticky.
Dried Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs for a classic, comforting flavor.
Dried oregano: Adds another layer of earthiness and a Mediterranean twist.
Fresh parsley (chopped): This is for garnish, offering a pop of color and freshness.

Substitutions and Tips for Your Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice

Life happens, and sometimes you need to get creative in the kitchen! Don’t you worry, I’ve got your back. For the chicken, boneless, skinless thighs work well too, but reduce baking time slightly. If you don’t have paprika, a pinch of cayenne could add a gentle kick. Feel free to swap dried herbs for fresh ones; just remember fresh herbs need a bit more quantity. Vegetable broth works great if you’re out of chicken broth. For an extra rich flavor, you could swirl in a tablespoon of cream cheese at the end. Remember, the exact quantities for this delightful Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice are all listed in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice

Making this Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice dish is truly a breeze. I promise you, even on a busy weeknight, you will find this process super straightforward. Let’s get cooking!

Preparing Your Chicken

First, preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This gets it ready for baking. Then, grab your lovely bone-in chicken thighs. Season them generously with the paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to rub the seasonings all over. Set them aside for now; they are just waiting to soak up all that flavor.

Sautéing Aromatics

Next, find a large, oven-safe skillet. Pop your butter into the skillet and melt it over medium heat. Isn’t that butter aroma just amazing? Stir in the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the garlic to be lightly browned, not dark. Stir it very often so it doesn’t burn. Burnt garlic tastes bitter, and we definitely don’t want that! This step is key for building a delicious base for our Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice.

Combining and Baking

Now, stir the rice into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Keep stirring constantly for about 30 seconds. This helps to toast the rice slightly. Next, arrange your seasoned chicken pieces right over the rice. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and hot water. These liquids are what will cook our rice to perfection. Sprinkle the top with Italian Seasoning and oregano. You can add more salt and pepper now if you like. Bring the whole mixture to a gentle boil on the stovetop. Now, cover the skillet with a lid, or you can use aluminum foil. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake it for a good 30 minutes. This allows the rice to start cooking and the chicken to get tender.

Finishing Touches for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice

After 30 minutes, carefully pull out the skillet. Remove the lid or foil. Place it back in the oven. Continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes. The liquid should be pretty much absorbed now. The chicken will be wonderfully golden and cooked through. Take the skillet out of the oven. Let it rest for 5 to 8 minutes. This resting time is important; it lets the rice absorb any last bits of liquid. It also makes the chicken extra juicy. Finally, remove the chicken from the pan. Fluff up the delicious rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. And there you have it: your incredible Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is ready!

How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice

Once you’ve savored your amazing Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice, proper storage is key. You’ll want to keep those delicious leftovers fresh! I always let the dish cool completely first. Then, I transfer any untouched portions into an airtight container. Make sure it’s sealed up tight.

You can store this in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you’re lucky enough to have extra, it reheats beautifully too. A quick zap in the microwave, or gently warming it in a skillet, works wonders. Sometimes, I add a splash of broth when reheating. This keeps the rice moist and the Garlic Butter Chicken nice and tender. It’s perfect for a quick lunch!

Tips for Success

Don’t overcrowd your skillet; give ingredients space to cook evenly.
Always brown your garlic lightly; burnt garlic tastes quite bitter.
Let the dish rest after baking; this helps the rice absorb liquid.
Use a good quality, oven-safe skillet for best results.
Taste and adjust seasonings often, especially before baking.
Don’t lift the lid too early; let the rice steam quietly.
Fresh parsley truly brightens the final Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

A large, oven-safe skillet is essential.
If you don’t have one, a Dutch oven works well too.
A sturdy cutting board protects your counters.
A sharp chef’s knife makes prepping ingredients easy.
Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
A whisk or fork helps mix your seasonings evenly.
Tongs are great for handling the chicken safely.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice with a fresh green salad.
A side of steamed green beans or asparagus pairs beautifully.
Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
A light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements rich flavors.
For a refreshing drink, try lemon-infused water.
Garnish with extra fresh parsley for a vibrant pop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice ahead of time?

You certainly can! While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients beforehand. Chop your onions and mince your garlic the day before. You can also season your chicken and keep it covered in the fridge. This makes assembly on cooking day super quick for your Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice.

What kind of rice is best for this recipe?

I always recommend using long-grain white rice for this particular Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice dish. It cooks up beautifully fluffy and absorbs all those lovely flavors. Basmati or jasmine rice would also work wonderfully if that’s what you have on hand.

How long does Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice last in the fridge?

Your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prepping. I often make extra specifically for easy lunches throughout the week!

Can I use boneless chicken for this Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts work well for this Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice. Just be sure to reduce the baking time slightly, as boneless chicken cooks a bit faster. Keep an eye on it to prevent it from drying out.