Garlic Butter Rice with Chicken (Printable)

Fluffy rice infused with rich garlic butter, topped with juicy grilled chicken breast for a comforting meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garlic Butter Rice

06 - 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
07 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 4 large garlic cloves, minced
10 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
14 - Lemon wedges for serving

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub evenly with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
03 - Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from grill, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
04 - While chicken cooks, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
05 - Add minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
06 - Stir in rinsed rice and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat rice evenly in butter and aromatics.
07 - Pour in chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with lid, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed.
08 - Remove from heat. Fluff rice with a fork and stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter and parsley if desired.
09 - Slice grilled chicken. Serve rice in bowls topped with sliced chicken and fresh lemon squeeze.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen.
  • The rice soaks up every bit of garlicky, buttery flavor and stays fluffy without any fuss.
  • Grilled chicken on top turns it into a complete meal that satisfies without feeling heavy.
  • You probably have most of these ingredients already, so it's perfect for nights when the fridge looks bare.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice or you'll end up with gummy, sticky grains instead of light and fluffy ones.
  • Let the chicken rest after grilling or all the juices will run out the second you slice it, leaving it dry.
  • If your rice looks dry after 15 minutes, add a splash more broth and cover it for another 2 minutes.
  • Resist the urge to stir the rice while it's simmering, lifting the lid releases steam and messes with the cooking.
03 -
  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for the rice so the heat distributes evenly and nothing scorches on the bottom.
  • If you want deeper flavor, toast the rice for an extra minute before adding the broth, it brings out a nutty richness.
  • Always taste the rice before serving and adjust the salt, different broths have different sodium levels and you might need a pinch more.
  • For a restaurant finish, brush the grilled chicken with a little extra melted butter right before slicing.
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