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garlic butter chicken and rice in a braiser garnished with parsley.
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4.50 from 2 votes

One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice

This One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is the ultimate easy comfort food! Juicy, garlicky chicken, buttery fluffy rice, and a hint of Parmesan all come together in one pan for a no-fuss, flavor-packed meal. Ready in 40 minutes with minimal cleanup!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 403kcal
Author: Joanna Cismaru

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth low sodium
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • fresh parsley for garnish
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add rice, chicken broth, thyme, and parsley. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  • Cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.

Notes

  1. Chicken thighs = best choice! They stay juicy and flavorful while cooking with the rice. If using chicken breast, cut it into small pieces and add it back in at the end to prevent dryness.
  2. Long-grain white rice is key. Short-grain will turn sticky, and brown rice takes too long (if using, add extra broth & time).
  3. No stirring while the rice cooks! Let it steam undisturbed—stirring releases starch, making it mushy instead of fluffy.
  4. Garlic burns fast! Cook it for just 30 seconds before adding the broth—any longer, and it turns bitter.
  5. Too much liquid at the end? Remove the lid and let it sit for a few minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
  6. Want even more richness? Stir in an extra tablespoon of butter at the end. Because butter makes everything better.
  7. Make it ahead! This stores & reheats well—just add a splash of broth when reheating to bring the rice back to life.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 403kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 944mg | Potassium: 470mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 465IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 186mg | Iron: 2mg