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

one-pan garlic butter chicken and rice - featured image
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A comforting one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken thighs and fluffy rice cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers deep flavor with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ¾ cup)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt until foaming. Place chicken thighs in the pan and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add rice to the pan and stir for 2 minutes until slightly translucent and nutty.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and water. Add thyme and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan on top of the rice, pushing them down slightly. Pour in any accumulated juices from the plate.
  8. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  9. After 18 minutes, check the rice. If still wet, cover and cook 2-3 more minutes. If done but excess liquid remains, simmer uncovered for 1-2 minutes.
  10. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork.
  11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Add Parmesan or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for best sear. Use low heat for simmering to prevent burning. Let pan rest 5 minutes before serving for fluffier rice. For crunchy rice, add ¼ cup more liquid and cook 5 more minutes. Use a fork to fluff rice, not a spoon.

Nutrition

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

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