Garlic Butter One Pot Chicken and Rice
A flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken and savory rice infused with garlic and butter, perfect for impressing your loved ones.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as Jasmine or Basmati)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Brown the Chicken: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and brown them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the pot with the onions and garlic, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes.
- Add Chicken Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth along with the paprika and thyme. Stir well to combine.
- Return the Chicken: Nestle the browned chicken back into the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Rice: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low, simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
- Add Peas: If using frozen peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Finish with Butter: Once the rice is tender, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and creamy.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Pro Tips: Use high-quality chicken for better flavor, let chicken rest before cutting, and feel free to modify vegetables or broth used in the recipe.