Garlic Butter Rice with Chicken (Printable Version)

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

# What You 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, gluten-free
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 to medium-high heat.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry. Rub with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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.
04 - While chicken cooks, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Stir rinsed rice into the saucepan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to coat rice evenly in butter and aromatics.
06 - Pour chicken broth into saucepan with rice. Add salt and black pepper. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with lid, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
07 - Remove from heat. Fluff rice with fork and stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter and parsley if desired.
08 - Slice grilled chicken. Serve garlic butter rice in bowls topped with sliced chicken and a squeeze of lemon juice.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms ordinary pantry staples into something that feels like you ordered takeout.
  • The garlic butter soaks into every grain of rice, making each bite ridiculously flavorful.
  • You can have juicy grilled chicken and perfectly fluffy rice on the table in under an hour.
  • It is flexible enough to dress up for guests or keep simple for a weeknight dinner.
02 -
  • Do not skip rinsing the rice or it will turn gummy and sticky instead of light and fluffy.
  • Let the chicken rest after grilling or all the juices will run out the second you slice into it.
  • Keep the lid on the rice while it simmers, lifting it releases steam and messes with the cooking time.
  • If your garlic starts to brown, it will taste bitter, so add it after the onion softens and keep the heat moderate.
03 -
  • Use day-old rice if you have leftovers, it fries up beautifully the next day with an egg on top.
  • Double the garlic if you are a garlic lover, it only makes the dish better and more aromatic.
  • If you are meal prepping, store the chicken and rice separately so the rice does not get soggy.
  • A sprinkle of grated Parmesan over the rice right before serving adds a salty, umami kick that surprises people.
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