Garlic Butter Chicken And Rice Dinner

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken And Rice Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup butter; 2 cups chicken broth; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Soulful Meals

I absolutely love cooking quick, yet delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy, and this Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Dinner always delivers. It’s a perfect balance of savory garlic, tender chicken, and fluffy rice that comes together in under 30 minutes. The aroma that fills the kitchen as the garlic sizzles is simply irresistible! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe makes for an easy, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table.

Created by

Penelope Dawson

Last updated on 2026-02-24T03:13:36.615Z

When I first experimented with this Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Dinner, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it all came together. The secret is in the garlic butter; simmering the chicken in that rich blend elevates the dish’s flavor instantly. And did I mention that the rice cooks right in the same pan? This not only saves time but also ensures it absorbs all those delicious chicken juices!

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily add your favorite vegetables or swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly. Trust me, this dish will soon become a staple in your house—especially with the kids!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Savory garlic butter sauce that enhances the chicken flavor
One-pot meal for easy clean-up
Perfectly cooked rice absorbs all the goodness

The Secret to Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Achieving perfectly cooked chicken breasts is all about precision and attention to detail. For this recipe, ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken; this will help create a beautiful golden crust. When seasoned properly with salt and pepper, the chicken absorbs the savory flavors from the garlic butter, making each bite incredibly flavorful. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, but if you're unsure, use an instant-read thermometer—your chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

After searing, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes is a crucial step. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat. If you cut into it too soon, you risk losing the flavorful juices that make this dish so appealing. So, patience is key here; while the chicken rests, the rice completes cooking, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Nailing the Garlic Butter Flavor

The garlic butter sauce in this recipe is a game changer. Sautéing the minced garlic for just 30 seconds is essential. This cooks the garlic without burning it, which can cause a bitter taste that overshadows the dish. You want it to be fragrant and slightly golden; this indicates it's ready for the next step. The garlic should be glossy, and when mixed with the rice, it provides a rich and aromatic base that elevates the entire dish.

Using good quality butter is also important. It creates a smooth texture that coats the rice perfectly and enhances the overall flavor. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute part of the butter with olive oil, which will still provide some richness without being overly heavy. However, I highly recommend sticking with butter if you want to capture the full essence of this dish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup butter
2 cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Feel free to customize this base recipe with your favorite herbs or vegetables!

Instructions

Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Cook the Rice

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Add the rice to the skillet, stirring it into the garlic and butter. Pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a boil.

Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious one-pot garlic butter chicken and rice!

Pro Tips

If you're looking to add veggies, peas or carrots can be incorporated during the last 10 minutes of cooking to steam them along with the rice.

Serving Suggestions

To serve this Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Dinner, consider pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. The fresh crunch of the salad not only complements the richness of the rice and chicken but also adds a pop of color to your plate. You could dress the salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the meal's flavors beautifully.

For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken just before serving. The acidity from the lemon cuts through the richness of the butter and garlic, enhancing the whole dish. Furthermore, if you're hosting a dinner, serving it family-style in the skillet adds a cozy touch to the meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the leftovers almost better than the first serving! When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist; this prevents it from drying out while warming it in a skillet over low heat.

For longer storage, consider freezing this dish. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Ensure you cool it completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit more broth as needed for the perfect consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ What can I substitute for chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth or water, but for better flavor, chicken broth is recommended.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free chicken broth and make sure the rice is certified gluten-free.

→ Can leftovers be stored?

Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.