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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 quick and easy weeknight dinner that comes together in about 40 minutes. Juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin and fluffy rice cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce make this a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
  • 2 cups (475ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Optional: lemon juice, frozen peas

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until deep golden brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and diced onion. Cook 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent, scraping up browned bits.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in rice and stir for 1-2 minutes until each grain is coated and slightly translucent.
  6. Add chicken broth and dried thyme. Stir, bring to a boil, and adjust salt if needed.
  7. Nestle chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up, on top of the rice.
  8. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  9. Remove from heat and let rest, still covered, for 5 minutes.
  10. Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t rush the browning step; medium-high heat is ideal. Toast the rice properly for best texture. Use a 2:1 liquid to rice ratio. Keep the lid on during simmering. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes off heat before serving.

Nutrition

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

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