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Cozy One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice

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 infused with garlic butter. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe delivers rich flavor with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 whole head garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine), rinsed
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Place a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter. Once melted and shimmering, place chicken skin-side down. Cook without moving for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  4. Add rinsed and drained rice to the pan. Stir for 1-2 minutes until grains are coated in butter and starting to turn translucent.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and add dried thyme. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Nestle chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up, on top of the rice.
  7. Cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid or foil. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken skin, pat chicken very dry before seasoning and sear without moving. If rice seems undercooked after baking, add 2-3 tablespoons broth and bake 5 more minutes. Let dish rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

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

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