One-pot garlic butter chicken and rice is the definition of cozy comfort food. Tender chicken, buttery rice, and aromatic garlic come together in a creamy, rich blend that feels like home. With simple pantry staples, this dish delivers bold flavor and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for family or prepping ahead for a busy week, this one-pot recipe checks all the boxes—easy, hearty, and irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple and Satisfying
This recipe combines the richness of garlic butter with the comforting texture of rice. It’s cooked all in one pan, meaning the flavors melt together beautifully while saving you time and dishes. Each bite carries creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and soft, fluffy rice. This is the kind of meal that transforms weeknights into something special without the fuss of complicated prep.
Comfort with a Twist
Garlic and butter are a timeless pair. Together, they create depth, warmth, and a subtle sweetness that balances perfectly with tender chicken and cheesy rice. Like Baked Melt In Your Mouth Chicken, it’s proof that simple ingredients can create bold, restaurant-quality flavor at home. This dish is also endlessly customizable—you can add vegetables, extra cheese, or herbs to suit your mood.
📄 Want to keep this recipe for later? Download your printable PDF version now and start cooking anytime!
📥 Download Recipe PDF✅ Print-friendly • 🕒 Save for later • 📱 Mobile-accessible
💡 Want more like this? Subscribe for weekly printable recipes!
One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken & Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, cheesy, one-pot garlic butter chicken and rice recipe. Tender chicken, buttery rice, and melted mozzarella create a comforting dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked white rice
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
3 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, garlic-butter, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Mix until well combined.
3. Stir in half the mozzarella cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or use the same skillet. Spread mixture evenly.
5. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden-brown.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Add cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness.
Include vegetables like peas, broccoli, or mushrooms for variety.
Use cheddar or gouda instead of mozzarella for a flavor twist.
Store leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Building the Garlic Butter Base
Sautéing for Flavor
The foundation of this recipe starts with butter and garlic sizzling in a hot pan. As the butter melts, it turns golden and nutty, while the minced garlic releases an intoxicating aroma. This process infuses the entire dish with richness. The secret is not to rush—let the garlic toast gently to extract its natural sweetness without burning.
Blending in Creamy Goodness
Once the garlic butter base is ready, it’s combined with cream of chicken soup and a splash of broth. This turns into a luscious sauce that will coat both the chicken and rice. The creaminess gives the dish its signature texture, while the broth adds depth. It’s the perfect balance of richness and lightness that makes each bite indulgent but not overwhelming.
Preparing the Chicken
Shredded and Tender
You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand—freshly cooked, leftover, or rotisserie. Shredded chicken absorbs flavor beautifully, ensuring it soaks up the garlic butter sauce. If you prefer a chunkier texture, diced chicken works too. The key is keeping it tender so it melts into the rice and sauce for that ultimate creamy bite.
Seasoning for Perfection
Before combining, lightly season the chicken with salt, pepper, and dried parsley. This helps the flavors bloom. The natural richness of butter and cheese already brings depth, so the seasoning just enhances the balance. You can also add a dash of paprika or Italian herbs for a little extra flair.
Cooking the Rice
Choosing the Right Rice
White rice works perfectly here because of its fluffy texture. It absorbs the sauce without becoming mushy. Using pre-cooked rice shortens cooking time, making this recipe weeknight-friendly. If you prefer brown rice, cook it separately first, as it requires a longer time to soften.
Infusing with Flavor
The rice soaks up all the goodness from the garlic butter and chicken broth. Every grain becomes coated in creamy sauce and rich flavor. Cooking everything in one pot allows the rice to pull flavor directly from the chicken and sauce, resulting in a cohesive dish where no flavor is lost.
Bringing Everything Together
Mixing the Ingredients
Once the sauce, rice, and chicken are ready, everything comes together in the same skillet. Stirring gently helps coat each piece of chicken and every grain of rice with the buttery sauce. Adding half the shredded mozzarella at this stage creates creamy pockets throughout the mixture, adding stretch and richness without overwhelming the dish.
Baking or Simmering to Finish
If you prefer a casserole-style bake, transfer the mixture to a greased dish, sprinkle on the remaining cheese, and bake until golden-brown. For a stovetop version, simply cover the skillet and let the cheese melt over low heat. Either way, the result is ooey-gooey perfection with a golden top and creamy center that makes it hard to resist.
Customizing Your One-Pot Dish
Adding Vegetables
Turn this recipe into a full meal by adding veggies. Peas, broccoli, spinach, or even mushrooms pair beautifully with the creamy base. The vegetables add color, nutrients, and a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce. Toss them in while mixing so they heat through without losing their texture.
Spice and Flavor Variations
Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Craving a herby note? Try thyme, rosemary, or basil. You can even mix in a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess. These small additions let you make the dish your own while keeping the irresistible garlic butter foundation intact.
Serving Suggestions
Family-Style Comfort
Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic family-style dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for color and flavor. The creamy sauce and cheesy top make it a dish that’s as comforting to look at as it is to eat. It’s perfect alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
Leftovers that Shine
This one-pot garlic butter chicken and rice tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it ideal for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk and warm gently on the stove to keep it creamy.
Why This Recipe Always Delivers
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe achieves restaurant-worthy results. The garlic butter base, combined with tender chicken and fluffy rice, hits every note of comfort and flavor. It’s rich but balanced, indulgent but approachable. The best part? It all happens in one pot, saving time without sacrificing quality.
Universal Appeal
Everyone loves garlic butter. It’s savory, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying. Pairing it with chicken and rice makes it universally loved, from kids to adults. It’s also versatile enough to serve on casual nights or at gatherings. Like other one-pan favorites, it’s proof that simple recipes can deliver unforgettable results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but cook it separately first, as it takes longer than white rice.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Try cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a new flavor twist.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate. Bake or reheat when ready to serve.
Can I make it without soup?
You can use homemade cream sauce by combining broth, milk, and a little flour instead of canned soup.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, cool completely and freeze in portions. Reheat with a bit of broth for best results.
Conclusion
One-pot garlic butter chicken and rice is a dream dinner for anyone who loves flavor and convenience. It’s rich, creamy, and cooked all in one pan for easy cleanup. The combination of buttery garlic, tender chicken, cheesy rice, and creamy sauce makes this dish impossible to resist. It’s customizable, meal-prep friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy every craving. Whether for a cozy night in or family dinner, this one-pot wonder delivers comfort in every bite.