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One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice

One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice
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One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and simple dinner recipe combining tender chicken, fragrant garlic butter, and perfectly cooked rice in a single skillet. This comforting and convenient meal offers a rich buttery garlic taste with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 boneless skin-on chicken thighs or breasts (choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for a leaner option)

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Optional vegetables: 1/2 cup peas or diced carrots (or other quick-cooking veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), chopped

Other Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter (or vegan buttery spread/coconut oil for dairy-free option)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice with adjusted cooking time and liquid)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt fully. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn.
  3. Toast the Rice: Add dry rice to the skillet with garlic butter. Stir constantly to coat each grain and lightly toast for 2-3 minutes. This enhances the rice’s nutty flavor and prevents sticking.
  4. Add Broth and Cook: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Nestle seared chicken back into the skillet, skin side up, partially submerged in liquid. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.

Notes

  • Choose a heavy-bottomed skillet with a lid for even cooking and to prevent burning.
  • Do not skip searing the chicken first; it locks in juices and intensifies flavor.
  • Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and taste rather than powdered garlic.
  • Letting the dish rest after cooking helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid for ideal texture.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end, as broth and butter already contain salt.
  • For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil or vegan buttery spread and confirm broth is dairy-free.
  • Feel free to add quick-cooking vegetables like peas or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • When using brown rice, increase broth quantity and cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pan, garlic butter, chicken, rice, easy dinner, gluten free, comfort food, skillet meal

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/one-pan-garlic-butter-chicken-and-rice/