Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is the perfect comforting one-pan dinner for busy weeknights and cozy family meals. Juicy chicken thighs bake over buttery, garlicky rice until everything becomes rich, flavorful, and perfectly tender. This easy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice recipe delivers restaurant-style comfort with simple pantry ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal with easy cleanup
- Rich garlic butter flavor in every bite
- Tender, juicy chicken thighs
- Family-friendly and comforting
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- Uses simple everyday ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups long grain white rice
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ cups hot water
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Season the chicken thighs with paprika, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the rice and cook for 30 seconds while stirring continuously.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs over the rice mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth and hot water.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and oregano over the top. Add extra salt and pepper if desired.
- Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the cover and continue baking for 15–20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let the Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice rest for 5–8 minutes before serving.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Rinse the rice before cooking for fluffier texture.
- For crispier chicken skin, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Add vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Boneless chicken thighs can be used, but reduce baking time slightly.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Nut-free
Notes
- Brown rice may be substituted, but additional liquid and cooking time will be needed.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add brighter flavor.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 25g
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and cook a bit faster than bone-in chicken.
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
What type of rice works best?
Long grain white rice gives the fluffiest texture and cooks evenly.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
How do I keep the rice from becoming mushy?
Measure the liquid carefully and avoid overcooking after uncovering the pan.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.
Similar Recipes
Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice
Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is an easy one-pan dinner recipe made with juicy chicken thighs and buttery seasoned rice.This comforting baked chicken and rice dish is perfect for busy weeknights.Ready in just over one hour with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- 6 skinless bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 4 large garlic cloves minced
- 1½ cups long grain white rice
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ cups hot water
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Season the chicken thighs with paprika, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the rice and cook for 30 seconds while stirring continuously.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs over the rice mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth and hot water.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and oregano over the top. Add extra salt and pepper if desired.
- Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the cover and continue baking for 15–20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let the Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice rest for 5–8 minutes before serving.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Brown rice may be substituted, but additional liquid and cooking time will be needed.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add brighter flavor.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is the kind of easy comfort food recipe you’ll want to make again and again. With juicy seasoned chicken, buttery garlic rice, and simple ingredients, this satisfying dinner is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or family gatherings. Once you try this cozy one-pan recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.