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One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice – Easy Weeknight Dinner

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This one-pan garlic butter chicken and rice is a low-effort, high-reward weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice are coated in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce, all made in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine), rinsed
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let sit at room temperature while prepping other ingredients.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted and shimmering, sear the chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate (chicken will not be cooked through).
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté diced onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and dried thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pan. Stir for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan on top of the rice and liquid.
  7. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes without lifting the lid. Then turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
  8. Remove the lid. Fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Don’t skip rinsing the rice to avoid stickiness. Pat chicken dry for a good sear. Do not lift the lid during simmering. Let the dish rest off the heat for 5-10 minutes after cooking. For best results, use a heavy-bottomed pan like cast iron or stainless steel.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan dinner, garlic butter chicken, chicken and rice, weeknight dinner, easy dinner, one skillet meal

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/one-pan-garlic-butter-chicken-and-rice-easy-weeknight-dinner/