Garlic Butter Rice with Chicken (Printer-Friendly)

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, 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 fresh parsley, chopped
14 - Lemon wedges for serving

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub evenly with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
02 - Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Remove from grill, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
03 - 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 and translucent.
04 - Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in rinsed rice and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat rice evenly with butter and aromatics.
05 - Pour chicken broth into saucepan with 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 absorbed.
06 - Remove saucepan from heat. Fluff rice with a fork and stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter and fresh parsley.
07 - Slice grilled chicken against the grain. Divide garlic butter rice among serving bowls or plates, top with sliced chicken, and serve with lemon wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The garlic butter soaks into every grain of rice, making each bite ridiculously flavorful without any heavy sauces.
  • It looks impressive but uses pantry staples and basic techniques you already know.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully, and sometimes taste even better the next day.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice or it will turn out gummy and sticky instead of light and fluffy.
  • Let the chicken rest after grilling or all the juices will run out onto your cutting board instead of staying inside the meat.
  • Use low heat once the rice is simmering and resist the urge to lift the lid, or steam will escape and the rice won't cook evenly.
03 -
  • Invest in a good instant-read thermometer so you never have to guess if your chicken is done, it takes out all the anxiety.
  • Make extra rice and use the leftovers for fried rice the next day, the garlic butter flavor carries over beautifully.
  • If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them gently so they cook at the same rate and stay juicy.
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