Easy One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice
A convenient and flavorful one-pan meal featuring seared chicken thighs and creamy long-grain rice cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh minced garlic (4-5 cloves)
- Long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Small yellow onion, diced
- Smoked paprika
- Dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add half the butter. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, flip, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
- In the same pan, add remaining butter. Sauté diced onion for 2-3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in rinsed rice to coat in butter and garlic mixture. Toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Stir in dried thyme.
- Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly.
- Simmer undisturbed for 15-18 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
- Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure rice is rinsed to remove excess starch. Do not move chicken while searing to develop a good crust. Use a 2:1 ratio of broth to rice. If using chicken breasts, reduce cooking time by 5-7 minutes. For oven method, sear then bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh and
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 30
Keywords: one-pan meal, garlic butter chicken, chicken and rice, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, gluten-free option
Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/easy-one-pan-garlic-butter-chicken-and-rice/