One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice – The Ultimate Comfort Meal
This One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice recipe is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken thighs are seared until golden, then simmered with fragrant garlic butter and fluffy rice in a single pan. The rice absorbs all the delicious juices from the chicken, creating a rich and comforting dish. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s ideal for both beginner cooks and experienced home chefs. Simple ingredients come together to create a meal that tastes restaurant-quality. Serve it with fresh herbs or vegetables for a complete dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Season the chicken with paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic and chopped onion.
- Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice and cook for about 1 minute to lightly toast it.
- Pour in chicken broth, thyme, and oregano. Stir well.
- Place the chicken back into the pan on top of the rice. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve warm with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful results.
- Rinse rice before cooking for fluffier texture.
- Do not stir rice too much while cooking to avoid mushiness.
- A heavy skillet or cast-iron pan works best.
- Adjust broth slightly depending on the rice brand used.
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition.