Garlic Butter Chicken And Rice Dinner

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken And Rice Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Warm & Wholesome

I love making this Garlic Butter Chicken And Rice Dinner because it’s a quick and satisfying meal that brings my family together. The rich garlic butter sauce envelops the juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice, creating a comforting dish that's full of flavor. Plus, the one-pan approach means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book. I can easily adjust the ingredients based on what I have in the pantry, making it a versatile recipe for any night of the week.

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2026-02-24T02:25:37.449Z

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the simple combination of garlic and butter could elevate a chicken dinner to something extraordinary. By searing the chicken to golden perfection before adding the rice, I ensured maximum flavor and tenderness. The key is to let the garlic infuse into the butter before adding other ingredients; this technique really deepens the flavor.

What I love most is how this meal can be whipped up on a busy weeknight yet feels like a special occasion dish. I've even added vegetables like broccoli or peas for an extra pop of color and nutrition. This is definitely a recipe we'll keep coming back to!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bold garlic flavor that permeates every bite
Comforting one-pan meal for effortless cleanup
Quick preparation perfect for busy weeknights

Understanding the Ingredients

The core of this Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Dinner lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. The boneless, skinless chicken breasts are not only easy to work with, but they also absorb the rich garlic butter sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. If you prefer dark meat, thighs can be a great substitution; just increase the cooking time slightly since they are thicker and fatty.

The use of long-grain rice ensures that the grains remain separate while absorbing the flavorful chicken broth, which is key in achieving a satisfying texture. You can substitute with jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist, but be cautious of adjusting the liquid ratio as these varieties may require slightly less broth to achieve the perfect consistency.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Results

When searing the chicken, ensure your skillet is adequately preheated over medium-high heat. This step is crucial as it provides a nice, golden crust, enhancing the overall flavor profile. If the chicken sticks to the pan, it may not be hot enough; give it a little more time before attempting to flip. Once the chicken is seared to perfection, removing it from the skillet prevents overcooking as you'll let it finish cooking with the rice.

While adding the minced garlic, keep a close eye on it. Garlic can turn from fragrant to burnt in seconds. Cook it just until it releases its aromatic qualities—about one minute—before moving on. A burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the sauce, overshadowing the intended flavors of the dish.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Dinner:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Dinner:

Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and sear them for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice, dried thyme, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low.

Combine Chicken and Simmer

Place the seared chicken back into the skillet. Cover and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Enjoy your homemade Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Dinner!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic. You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but cooking time will vary.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This recipe is not only quick but also easy to prep in advance. You can marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This enhances flavor and allows for quick cooking on busier nights. Additionally, the cooked dish stores well; keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

If you plan to freeze the leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Dinner is delicious as is, but can also be enhanced with additional sides. A refreshing side salad or steamed vegetables can provide a bright contrast to the rich main dish. Try incorporating a lemon vinaigrette or fresh herbs like basil for an aromatic touch that complements the garlic.

For an added depth of flavor, consider garnishing the dish with freshly grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice. The acidity from the lemon balances the richness, while the cheese introduces a savory element. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, and you have a complete, delightful meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them before cooking for even cooking.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Add your favorite vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.

→ What can I substitute for chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth or water, but chicken broth enhances the flavor of the dish.