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Creamy One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Skillet

creamy one-pan garlic butter chicken and rice skillet - featured image
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A rich and savory one-pan dinner featuring seared chicken thighs and fluffy rice cooked in a garlic butter broth with heavy cream. This easy weeknight meal requires minimal cleanup and delivers restaurant-quality flavor.

Ingredients

  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Unsalted butter
  • Fresh garlic, minced (4-5 cloves)
  • Long-grain white rice (Basmati or Jasmine), rinsed
  • Low-sodium chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder (optional)
  • Cooking oil (if using unsalted butter)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil if using unsalted butter.
  3. Sear chicken in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same pan, then add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add uncooked rice to the pan and stir in the garlic butter for 1-2 minutes to toast.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to scrape up browned bits from the bottom.
  7. Return chicken and juices to the pan, nestling into the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  8. Cover tightly and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
  9. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes to allow rice to finish absorbing liquid.
  10. Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not lift the lid during the simmering phase to trap steam. Rinse rice to remove excess starch and prevent gumminess. Use room temperature chicken for better searing. If rice is dry after cooking, add a splash of broth and cover for 2 more minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan meal, chicken and rice, garlic butter chicken, easy weeknight dinner, creamy rice, skillet dinner, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/creamy-one-pan-garlic-butter-chicken-and-rice-skillet/