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

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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 easy recipe delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter. Sauté diced onion for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed rice and stir for about 2 minutes until it smells nutty and turns slightly opaque.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle dried thyme. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, pushing them into the rice. Pour in any juices from the plate.
  7. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  8. Turn off heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, rinse rice until water runs clear to prevent gumminess. Do not lift the lid during simmering. If rice is still crunchy after 25 minutes, add 1/4 cup more broth and cook covered for 5 more minutes. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

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