Garlic Butter Chicken And Rice Dinner

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken And Rice Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups of long-grain rice; 1/2 cup of butter; 1 cup of chicken broth; 1 teaspoon of garlic powder; 4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup of frozen peas; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing)

Highlighted under: Home Favorites

I love preparing a delicious Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Dinner for my family; it’s an easy one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor. The rich garlic butter sauce infuses the chicken and rice, creating a comforting dish that everyone enjoys. In just a few simple steps, we can have a hearty dinner that feels both cozy and indulgent. It's the kind of recipe that brings the family together and is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Created by

Selene Woodward

Last updated on 2026-02-23T22:10:36.679Z

When I first made Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Dinner, I didn’t expect it to become a family favorite. The combination of tender chicken and fluffy rice, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, was an instant hit. I love watching everyone dig in, often coming back for seconds!

What makes this dish special is the method of cooking everything together in one pan. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring that every bite is just as delicious as the last. Plus, less clean-up is always a bonus in my kitchen!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich, garlicky flavor that elevates your dinner
Simple one-pan preparation for easy clean-up
Comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any night

Key Techniques for Flavor Infusion

The secret to achieving an incredibly flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Dinner lies in the order of your cooking steps. When you sauté the minced garlic in butter before adding the rice, the garlic releases its essential oils, creating a fragrant base that enhances the entire dish. Make sure to keep an eye on the garlic; it should become golden and aromatic but not burnt, which can result in a bitter taste. This initial step is pivotal for infusing flavor into the rice and chicken.

Another technique to note is the importance of resting the chicken after cooking. Once you remove the chicken from the skillet, let it sit for a few minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. If you cut into the chicken immediately, those juices will run out, leading to dry chicken. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Ingredient Insights

The choice of rice can significantly impact the texture of your dish. Long-grain rice, like basmati or jasmine, works best here because it remains fluffy and separates easily during cooking, preventing a mushy end result. Always rinse the rice before cooking; this step removes excess starch and enhances the final dish's texture by keeping the grains distinct and light.

Don't overlook the role of chicken broth in this recipe—it not only provides moisture but also enriches the overall flavor profile. For a richer taste, consider using homemade chicken broth. If you're in a pinch, low-sodium store-bought varieties can work, but remember to adjust salt levels accordingly. And if you're looking to lighten the dish, swapping butter for olive oil is an excellent option that maintains flavor while offering a healthier fat.

Serving and Variation Ideas

To elevate your Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Dinner even further, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving. This brightens the richness of the garlic butter and balances the dish perfectly. Lemon zest can also be a delightful substitution that adds a refreshing twist without adding too much acidity.

If you're feeling adventurous, try customizing this dish with seasonal vegetables. Adding asparagus, bell peppers, or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking can enhance both the nutrition and the visual appeal of the meal. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed, ensuring vegetables remain bright and tender, not overcooked.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups of long-grain rice
1/2 cup of butter
1 cup of chicken broth
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup of frozen peas
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing)

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Dinner:

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Cook the Rice

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the rice and stir to coat. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Combine Chicken and Rice

Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, place the chicken on top of the rice, cover again, and cook for another 10 minutes. During the last 5 minutes, add the frozen peas.

Serve

Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, feel free to add some lemon juice or zest before serving. This brightens the dish beautifully!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're preparing this meal ahead of time, consider cooking the rice and chicken separately. You can store the cooked rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, while the chicken can be refrigerated in its sauce. When ready to serve, simply reheat them together in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture.

Freezing individual portions is another great option. Once cooled, portion the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers. This dish can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, transfer to the fridge overnight to thaw, then warm it gently in a skillet. This ensures that the rice remains fluffy and the chicken stays juicy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your rice is consistently coming out mushy, it could be due to too much liquid or overcooking. Make sure to follow the broth ratio and keep the heat low during the simmering stage. Cooking rice at too high a temperature can cause it to break down and release more starch, leading to a gummy texture.

On the other hand, if the chicken is not cooked through after the initial cooking time, ensure that your skillet isn’t overcrowded, which can lower the cooking temperature. If necessary, you can always check with a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

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

→ What can I substitute for butter?

You can use olive oil or any other cooking oil you prefer if you're looking for a dairy-free option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli along with the peas for extra nutrition.