Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite dishes: garlic butter chicken and rice! This recipe is a game-changer for those busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet delicious. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients come together to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Imagine tender chicken breasts cooked in luscious garlic butter, served over fluffy rice that soaks up all that savory goodness. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, and trust me, your family will be asking for seconds. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons garlic butter
- 2 cups rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice
Alright, let’s get cookin’! This recipe is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar by the end. First, season those chicken breasts with salt and pepper—don’t skimp on this step; it makes a big difference in flavor! Now, heat up the garlic butter in a skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and bubbly before adding the chicken. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Ooh, that smell is heavenly!
Once the chicken is done, take it out and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the rice and stir it around for about a minute to get it coated in that delicious garlic butter. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat, cover it, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After that, return the chicken to the skillet and let it cook together for a few more minutes. This way, the chicken can soak up all that flavorful goodness. Finish it off by garnishing with chopped parsley before serving—just like that, you’ve got a stunning meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat garlic butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add rice to the skillet and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes until done.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Flavorful garlic butter elevates the dish to new heights.
- One-pan cooking means less cleanup—yes, please!
- Comforting and satisfying, perfect for any night of the week.
Tips for Success
To get the most out of your garlic butter chicken and rice, here are some tips I swear by! First off, don’t rush the seasoning. Make sure you really coat the chicken breasts well with salt and pepper—it does wonders for the flavor! If you want to kick it up a notch, try adding some garlic powder or even a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky touch.
Also, keep an eye on your cooking times! You want that chicken to be perfectly golden but not overcooked, so a meat thermometer can be your best friend—165°F (75°C) is the magic number. And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider using brown rice instead of white for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Just remember, it may need a bit more broth and a few extra minutes to cook. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish and impress everyone at the table!
Variations
The beauty of garlic butter chicken and rice is in its versatility! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For a pop of color and nutrition, try adding vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. If you want to make it a bit healthier, swapping in brown rice is a fantastic option—just remember to adjust the cooking time and broth accordingly.
Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh twist, or add a dash of lemon juice for brightness. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rarity!), storing garlic butter chicken and rice is simple. Just let it cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist—you don’t want it drying out! Heat until warmed through, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go in no time. Trust me, it’s just as good the second time around!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this is just an estimate. Each serving of garlic butter chicken and rice offers approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Always feel free to adjust ingredients as needed to fit your dietary preferences! Enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. If you’re in a pinch, you can cook them from frozen, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
What can I serve with garlic butter chicken and rice?
This dish is delicious on its own, but if you want to add some sides, consider a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread also makes a great accompaniment!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice ahead of time! Just store them separately in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to eat. It’s a great meal prep option!
What if I don’t have garlic butter?
No worries! You can easily substitute regular butter and minced garlic. Just melt the butter and add about 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the pan for that delicious, garlicky flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, garlic butter chicken and rice is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free rice and ensure your garlic butter doesn’t contain any gluten-containing additives. Always check the labels to be sure!
For more information on the health benefits of garlic, you can check out this Healthline article.
Z nadrukami
Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice: 5 Simple Steps to Joy
- Całkowity Czas: 35 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Z niską zawartością tłuszczu
Opis
A simple and flavorful dish featuring chicken cooked in garlic butter served over rice.
Składniki
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons garlic butter
- 2 cups rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instrukcje
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat garlic butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add rice and stir for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and cook until done.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Uwagi
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Use brown rice for a healthier option.
- Try adding vegetables for added nutrition.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 14g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 56g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Słowa kluczowe: garlic butter chicken and rice, chicken recipe, easy dinner
