One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe
Welcome to our kitchen, where we’ll be sharing a delicious and hassle-free recipe for One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice. This recipe is not only incredibly flavorful, but it’s also a breeze to make, with all the ingredients cooked in one pan. Whether you’re a busy mom, a college student, or simply someone who loves a delicious home-cooked meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons why this One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice recipe is a must-try. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make, even for those with limited cooking experience. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Secondly, the flavors in this dish are simply divine. The combination of garlic, butter, and aromatic herbs creates a mouthwatering aroma that will have your family eagerly gathering around the dinner table. The chicken is tender and juicy, while the rice is perfectly cooked and infused with all the delicious flavors.
Lastly, this recipe is versatile and can easily be customized to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you’re following a gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb diet, you can easily make substitutions and adjustments to accommodate your needs.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this scrumptious One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional ingredient substitutions:
If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Additionally, if you’re not a fan of thyme or oregano, you can use dried rosemary or basil instead. Feel free to get creative and adjust the seasonings to your liking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir for a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the rice. Stir the rice for a couple of minutes until it is coated in the butter and slightly toasted.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, and give everything a good stir.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Once the rice is cooked, return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice.
- Cover the skillet again and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pro tips for success:
– To ensure juicy and tender chicken, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing it from the skillet.
– After removing the chicken from the skillet, cover it with foil to keep it warm while the rice finishes cooking. This will help prevent the chicken from drying out.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some expert tips to help you achieve the best results with this One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice recipe:
– Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or a Dutch oven for even heat distribution and to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
– For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or chicken stock when sautéing the garlic and herbs.
– If you prefer a richer and creamier rice, you can stir in a couple of tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
– Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the skillet along with the chicken for a complete one-pot meal. Some great options include diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or frozen peas.
Variations and Substitutions
This One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for various customizations and substitutions:
– Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like broccoli or zucchini to make it a flavorful vegetarian dish.
– Low-carb version: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as cauliflower rice cooks faster than regular rice.
– Mediterranean version: Add some sliced Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to give the dish a Mediterranean twist.
Serving Suggestions
This One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience by serving it with some delicious accompaniments:
– Fresh salad: Pair the dish with a refreshing green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette.
– Steamed vegetables: Serve the chicken and rice alongside steamed broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for a well-rounded meal.
– Crusty bread: Enjoy the dish with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful juices.
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice. Keep in mind that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly and add a bit more liquid if needed.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Absolutely! This One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice recipe is freezer-friendly. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken pieces?
A: Certainly! Bone-in chicken pieces, such as thighs or drumsticks, will work well in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken generally takes longer to cook than boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Final Thoughts
One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice is a delightfully flavorful and simple dish that will satisfy your taste buds and make your weeknight dinners a breeze. With its aromatic herbs, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So why not give it a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself? We’d love to hear about your cooking adventures in the comments below!
One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice
A flavorful and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in garlic butter with aromatic herbs, served over perfectly cooked white rice. This dish is versatile, customizable, and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
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Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir until garlic is fragrant.
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Cook chicken breasts in the skillet until golden brown; set aside.
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Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and rice to the skillet. Stir until rice is coated and slightly toasted.
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Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stir well.
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Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
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Return chicken to skillet, nestle into rice, cover, and simmer for 5-10 more minutes until chicken is cooked through.
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Remove from heat, let it rest, garnish with parsley, and serve.