There’s something truly magical about a one-pan meal that checks every box—rich in flavor, satisfying in texture, and wonderfully simple to prepare. This garlic butter chicken rice skillet delivers all that and more. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken thighs nestled into buttery, herb-infused rice create the kind of cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this skillet recipe is the kind of no-fuss comfort food you’ll find yourself turning to again and again.
The best part? Everything happens in a single pan, with just a handful of familiar ingredients. From the golden sear on the chicken to the garlicky rice that absorbs every drop of flavor, every bite is layered with depth and warmth. Let’s dig into why this dish is destined to become your next weeknight favorite.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Rice Skillet: A One-Pan Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Juicy chicken thighs and fluffy rice cooked together in garlic butter and herbs make this one-pan skillet dinner irresistibly flavorful and easy to pull off on any weeknight.
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups long-grain white rice
1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1½ cups hot water
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Season the chicken thighs evenly with paprika, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, just until fragrant.
4. Add the rice to the skillet and stir continuously for about 30 seconds to lightly toast it.
5. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice. Pour in the chicken broth and hot water.
6. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and oregano over the top. Taste the liquid and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Bring to a gentle boil.
7. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and transfer to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the cover and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, until the rice is tender, the liquid is absorbed, and the chicken is cooked through.
9. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
For even more flavor, stir in lemon zest or Parmesan cheese just before serving. This dish also works well with boneless chicken breasts—just reduce the baking time slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: One-pan baked skillet
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Rice Skillet
One-pan garlic butter chicken and rice magic
The brilliance of a one-pan dish is in the ease. This recipe brings chicken, rice, and bold seasonings together in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. What makes it special is how the chicken juices and butter meld with the broth to infuse the rice with unmatched richness. The result is a unified, harmonious dish with no bland grains or dry bites—just spoonful after spoonful of comfort.
Bold flavor from pantry-friendly ingredients
You don’t need anything fancy to make this skillet sing. Paprika, dried thyme, and garlic powder—seasonings you probably already have—work wonders when paired with aromatic garlic, onion, and a bit of Italian seasoning. Butter adds a velvety finish, while the chicken thighs, seasoned generously, cook up incredibly tender and flavorful. The combination is hearty, balanced, and deeply satisfying without being heavy.
Cozy comfort food for busy weeknights
This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep and finishes in under an hour, making it ideal for hectic schedules. The oven does most of the work, gently baking the rice to fluffy perfection and the chicken to a crisp, golden finish. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers can stretch into another easy meal. It’s everything you want from a weeknight recipe: dependable, delicious, and quick enough to not feel like a project.
Ingredients That Make This Garlic Butter Chicken Rice Skillet Shine
The secret to juicy, seasoned chicken thighs
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the star of this skillet, and for good reason. They stay moist during baking and absorb flavors like a sponge. A simple seasoning blend of paprika, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper brings out their natural savory notes without overpowering them. If you prefer white meat, you can substitute thighs with chicken breasts—just adjust the cook time to prevent drying out.
How garlic, butter, and herbs create rich flavor
The garlic butter base is where the magic starts. Diced onion and garlic are sautéed in butter until fragrant, setting a rich, savory tone that flavors every grain of rice. Then come the herbs: dried oregano and Italian seasoning add layers of earthiness and aroma that transform basic rice into something irresistible. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds brightness and color, balancing the deep, comforting flavors.
The perfect rice base: long-grain vs other varieties
Long-grain white rice is ideal here—it cooks evenly, fluffs up nicely, and soaks in all the liquid without turning mushy. Short-grain rice tends to get stickier, which can lead to a heavier texture, while brown rice would require a longer cook time and more liquid. Stick with long-grain for that perfect balance of lightness and heartiness.
Step-by-Step Cooking for a Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Rice Skillet
Searing aromatics for a flavor-packed base
Start by melting butter in your oven-safe skillet and sautéing diced onions just until they’re tender and translucent. Adding garlic at this stage allows it to bloom in the butter without burning—just a minute or two is enough to unlock its full potential. The aroma alone will tell you you’re off to the right start. This mixture creates the foundation of flavor that carries through the whole dish.
Layering rice and broth for fluffy results
Toasting the rice briefly in the skillet before adding the liquid enhances its nutty flavor and helps it hold its shape. Then, adding chicken broth and hot water provides both flavor and moisture. It’s important to taste the broth before baking—this is your chance to adjust salt and seasoning so everything cooks just right. Once the seasoned chicken is arranged on top, the rice will cook in all that savory, chicken-kissed liquid.
Oven-baking for tender chicken and no-fuss finish
After everything’s in the skillet, the oven takes over. Covered baking steams the rice gently, locking in moisture and infusing flavor. Uncovering during the last stretch allows the chicken to finish cooking through and develop a beautiful golden color. The timing is spot-on: 25 minutes covered, followed by 10–15 minutes uncovered, resulting in perfectly tender chicken and rice that’s fully absorbed all that rich, garlicky broth.
Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Rice Skillet
Make-ahead and storage options
This dish is fantastic for leftovers and meal prep. Once cooled, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to bring back moisture. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Easy swaps: chicken breasts, brown rice, or veggies
Don’t have chicken thighs? Boneless breasts work too—just slice them in half horizontally for faster, even cooking. If you’re craving extra nutrition, stir in frozen peas, spinach, or chopped zucchini before the final bake. For a heartier base, swap white rice with parboiled brown rice and increase the liquid and cook time slightly. The method stays the same, making this recipe endlessly adaptable.
Flavor upgrades with lemon, cheese, or spice
A little lemon zest or juice added before serving can cut through the richness and add brightness. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle in some grated Parmesan for a cheesy finish. Want heat? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter when sautéing the garlic—it’ll build just enough kick without overwhelming the dish.
More One-Pan Recipes You’ll Want to Try Next
Inspired by this 20-minute creamy garlic sausage pasta
If garlic is your love language, this quick sausage pasta brings all the same weeknight appeal in a creamy, spicy twist. It’s perfect when you want bold flavor fast, using a handful of ingredients and one pan—just like this garlic butter chicken rice skillet.
Creamy comfort in a one-pot creamy chicken taco pasta
For those craving Tex-Mex flavors, this creamy chicken taco pasta brings together tender chicken, pasta, and taco seasoning for a totally satisfying one-pot meal. It’s another reminder that simplicity and comfort food go hand in hand when your skillet’s doing the heavy lifting.
Keeping your weeknight dinners exciting and simple
Rotating in one-pan meals like this helps keep dinner stress-free and full of variety. From cheesy to spicy, creamy to herbaceous, there’s no shortage of flavor-packed skillet meals that can be on the table in under an hour—no sacrifice in taste or texture.
FAQ: Garlic Butter Chicken Rice Skillet
What’s the best rice for a garlic butter chicken and rice recipe?
Long-grain white rice is the top choice for this dish because it cooks evenly and absorbs the broth without clumping. Avoid instant or short-grain rice, which can get too soft or sticky in this preparation.
Can I make one pan garlic butter chicken and rice ahead of time?
Absolutely. This skillet dish stores well and can be made ahead for meal prep. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to revive the rice and keep the chicken moist. It also freezes well for batch cooking.
How do I prevent soggy rice in a chicken and rice skillet?
The key is using the correct ratio of liquid to rice and covering tightly during baking. Also, toasting the rice before adding broth helps it maintain structure. Make sure your oven is fully preheated, and don’t overbake once the liquid is absorbed.
Is this garlic butter chicken rice skillet gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free chicken broth. It’s a perfect option for those avoiding gluten without compromising flavor or texture.
Conclusion: Why This Garlic Butter Chicken Rice Skillet Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation
There’s no denying the charm of a one-pan meal that’s both hearty and deeply satisfying. This garlic butter chicken rice skillet brings together everything we crave in a comforting dinner—flavorful protein, tender rice, and rich, buttery herbs—all in a format that feels totally doable on a busy night. The combination of simple ingredients, oven-finished ease, and warm, familiar flavors makes this dish one that’s hard not to love.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just need something reliable and nourishing, this skillet delivers. Keep it in your regular rotation, and you’ll always have a go-to recipe that hits the sweet spot between comfort and convenience.
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