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Best One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice for Kids

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A one-pan garlic butter chicken and rice recipe that brings back the comfort of a beloved diner dish. Tender chicken and fluffy rice are infused with garlic butter flavor, making it a family-friendly weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56g)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (300g)
  • 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (600ml)
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, place the chicken thighs in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Do not wipe out the pan.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the pan and let it melt, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  4. Add the rice to the pan and stir it around in the garlic butter for about 2 minutes until the rice turns slightly translucent at the edges.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, paprika, and salt. Stir everything together, scraping up any last bits from the bottom. Bring it to a gentle boil.
  6. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the rice, pushing them down slightly so they’re partially submerged. Add any juices that collected on the plate.
  7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  8. After 20 minutes, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Let it rest for another 5-10 minutes.
  9. Remove the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if using. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Notes

For chicken breasts, reduce cooking time by about 5 minutes. For dairy-free, swap butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. For brown rice, increase broth to 3 cups (720ml) and cook for about 45 minutes. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. Do not lift the lid during simmering.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan chicken and rice, garlic butter chicken, kid-friendly dinner, easy weeknight meal, family dinner

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/best-one-pan-garlic-butter-chicken-and-rice-for-kids/