Garlic Butter Chicken Rice is a simple and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken pieces with rich garlic butter and perfectly cooked rice. This garlic butter chicken rice recipe is ideal for busy weeknights because it requires minimal ingredients and comes together quickly in one pan. The chicken is seasoned with herbs and spices, then seared until golden and coated in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. When paired with rice, this dish becomes a complete and satisfying meal that is both comforting and easy to prepare. Garlic butter chicken rice is a popular choice for family dinners because it is versatile, delicious, and loved by everyone.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Rice
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 20 oz (1¼ lbs) | Cut into pieces |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons | Coating |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon | Seasoning |
| Dried basil | 1/2 teaspoon | Flavor |
| Sweet paprika | 1/2 teaspoon | Color |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | Cooking |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons | Divided |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons | Chopped |
| Cooked rice | 2 cups | For serving |
Why Garlic Butter Makes This Dish Special
Garlic butter adds a rich, savory flavor that enhances the chicken and pairs perfectly with rice.
Ingredient Tips
Cut chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. Season the Chicken
Toss chicken with flour, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper until coated.
3. Heat the Pan
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.
4. Cook the Chicken
Add chicken in a single layer and cook for about 3 minutes without moving.
5. Flip the Chicken
Turn pieces over and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Add Garlic Butter
Add remaining butter, garlic, and parsley.
7. Finish Cooking
Cook for another minute until chicken is fully cooked and coated in sauce.
8. Serve with Rice
Serve hot over cooked rice.
Helpful Cooking Tips
• Do not overcrowd the pan.
• Let chicken sear before flipping.
• Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
• Add extra butter for richer taste.
• Serve immediately for best texture.
Serving, Storing, and Making Ahead
Serving Ideas
Serve with white rice, brown rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Storage
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm.
Make Ahead
Cook chicken ahead and reheat when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Rice is an easy and flavorful meal that combines juicy chicken with rich garlic butter and fluffy rice. This simple one pan recipe is perfect for busy nights and delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, it is a go-to dinner that everyone will enjoy.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Rice – Easy One Pan Chicken Dinner
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Garlic butter chicken rice made with juicy chicken pieces cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over fluffy rice.
Ingredients
20 oz chicken breasts
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
Black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons parsley
2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into pieces and pat dry.
2. Toss chicken with flour and seasonings.
3. Heat oil and butter in skillet.
4. Cook chicken 3 minutes without moving.
5. Flip and cook 2 minutes more.
6. Add butter garlic and parsley.
7. Cook until chicken is fully cooked.
8. Serve over rice.
Notes
Do not overcrowd pan.
Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
Serve immediately for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chicken thighs be used instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and work well.
What rice works best?
White rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice all work.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with dairy-free alternatives.
Can vegetables be added?
Yes, broccoli, spinach, or green beans are great additions.