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 chicken breasts; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Favorite Comfort Food Recipes

I love making Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice for busy weeknights when I want something comforting yet simple. This one-pan dish brings together tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and fluffy rice, all simmered in a delicious garlic butter sauce. It perfects the balance of flavors that keeps my family coming back for seconds. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! I promise that this dish will quickly become a go-to recipe in your household, and it’s suitable for both make-ahead meals and last-minute dinners.

Created by

Lavinia Moore

Last updated on 2026-02-24T01:17:37.069Z

When I first made this dish, I wanted to impress my friends with a comforting meal that didn’t take all night to prepare. The secret lies in the buttery garlic sauce that infuses the chicken and rice with flavor from the very start. I initially stumbled by not browning the garlic properly, but once I nailed that, the dish transformed into an aromatic delight that I could hardly resist.

One particular time, I added some frozen peas just before serving for a pop of color and sweetness, and it turned out to be the perfect addition! They added freshness and a delightful crunch that complemented the tender chicken perfectly. I highly recommend trying this simple tweak!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pan meal saves time on cleanup
Rich garlic flavor that makes the chicken irresistible
Versatile recipe that can be adapted with your favorite veggies

The Importance of Properly Cooking Chicken

Cooking chicken breasts to the perfect doneness is crucial in this Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice recipe. The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C), which ensures that the meat is cooked through while remaining moist. To check, I recommend using an instant-read thermometer; this eliminates guesswork and helps avoid overcooking, which can lead to dry chicken. Look for a golden-brown crust on the outside, which gives you that beautiful flavor infusion from the garlic butter.

When cooking the chicken, it's essential to avoid overcrowding the pan. This allows for better heat distribution and helps achieve that perfect sear. If your skillet feels too cramped, consider searing the chicken in batches. This ensures that each piece caramelizes beautifully and develops those appealing golden edges, enhancing the overall dish's flavor.

Flavor Boost with Garlic and Herbs

Garlic plays a star role in this dish, providing not only aroma but also depth of flavor. Fresh garlic, as used here, releases its oils and infuses the butter mixture, creating a deliciously fragrant base for the rice. If you're a fan of garlic, feel free to increase the quantity—up to 8 cloves can add an even bolder punch! Just sauté until fragrant, as letting it burn can impart a harsh flavor to the dish.

In addition to oregano, consider experimenting with herbs like thyme or rosemary. They complement the garlic butter beautifully and provide an aromatic twist. Adding them during the sautéing stage helps release their essential oils, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the meal. Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as different herbs can saltiness to the dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice dish stores exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prep. You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent the rice from drying out. Stir gently to heat it through, taking care not to overcook the chicken again.

If you want to keep this dish longer, consider freezing it. Portion the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers; they will last for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet as mentioned earlier, or use the microwave for quick convenience, ensuring it's heated thoroughly before serving.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Dinner

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

Gather all your ingredients before starting for the best experience.

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano, then cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Cook the Rice

Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat in the garlic-butter mixture. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, ensuring the rice absorbs all the flavors.

Serve

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

Enjoy this hearty meal with a side salad or your favorite veggies.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight in a garlic and herb blend before cooking. It enhances the taste even more and makes it super tender.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate this Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans. The fresh crunch from the salad balances the richness of the dish and makes for a well-rounded meal. Drizzling a bit of lemon juice over the top can brighten the flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, topping the dish with red pepper flakes or a sriracha drizzle can add a spicy kick that complements the garlic butter beautifully. On the other hand, if you're looking for a creamier texture, a spoonful of sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also enrich each bite and balance the flavors.

Variations to Try

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You can easily swap the chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a more succulent cut of meat; they tend to stay juicier during cooking. Additionally, you might experiment by adding seasonal vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, spinach, or peas during the last few minutes of simmering, adding not only nutrition but also a colorful pop to the dish.

For a unique twist, consider incorporating a splash of white wine or lemon juice into the garlic-butter mixture before adding the rice. This adds acidity that can help balance the rich flavors and create a more complex profile. Just ensure that the liquid addition is accounted for when measuring your chicken broth, as the total liquid ratios should remain consistent.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly, as brown rice usually requires more time to cook.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add some broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots for more nutrition and color.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet while cooking for an extra kick!