Print

One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

one-pan garlic butter chicken and rice - featured image
Print Recipe

This one-pan garlic butter chicken and rice is a quick and easy 30-minute dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, all in one pan for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Lemon wedges
  • Extra butter pat (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan, then add diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent, scraping up browned bits.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add rice to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the grains.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and add dried thyme. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  7. Nestle chicken thighs back into the rice, partially submerged. Pour in any juices from the plate.
  8. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes.
  9. Remove lid and check if rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If rice is still firm, add a splash more broth, cover, and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
  10. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork.
  11. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional butter pat. Squeeze lemon wedges over before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the chicken—it builds flavor. Use long-grain rice for best results. Resist stirring once covered to avoid gummy rice. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan dinner, garlic butter chicken, chicken and rice, 30-minute meal, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/one-pan-garlic-butter-chicken-and-rice-easy-30-minute-dinner-2/