If you’re craving a comforting, all-in-one dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and rich buttery goodness, look no further than this Butter Chicken Rice Bake Recipe. It’s wonderfully simple yet packed with flavor, transforming a handful of basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that feels like a warm hug in a dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe promises a satisfying and fuss-free experience that will quickly become a staple in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma in your Butter Chicken Rice Bake Recipe. From the creamy richness of butter to the fragrant Italian seasoning, every component works together beautifully.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing tender, juicy bites after baking.
- Long grain rice (uncooked): This rice cooks perfectly fluffy, soaking up all the savory broth and seasonings.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture, infusing the rice and chicken with savory goodness.
- Unsalted stick butter: Essential for a luscious, buttery flavor that coats every grain and bite.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brightens and elevates the entire dish.
- Garlic powder: For that irresistible savory note that pairs beautifully with chicken and butter.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and seasonings.
- Black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and spice to balance the richness.
How to Make Butter Chicken Rice Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. This sets the stage for your Butter Chicken Rice Bake Recipe to cook evenly and come out perfectly.
Step 2: Layer the Rice
Spread the uncooked long grain rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. This even layer ensures that when cooked, every grain absorbs just the right amount of broth and butter, becoming tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Add the Chicken Breasts
Place your boneless skinless chicken breasts gently on top of the spread rice. This allows the chicken juices to drip down and infuse the rice as everything bakes together.
Step 4: Pour Over the Chicken Broth
Now, pour the chicken broth evenly over the rice and chicken. The broth is the unsung hero here, moistening both the rice and chicken while adding a delicious savory foundation the butter and seasonings will build upon.
Step 5: Season the Bake
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the dish. This step is where the magic happens, layering in aromatic and savory flavors that complement the creamy butter beautifully.
Step 6: Add Butter on Top
Slice your stick of unsalted butter into small pats and distribute them evenly over the top. As the dish bakes, the butter melts and seeps into the rice and chicken, giving you that irresistible richness this Butter Chicken Rice Bake Recipe is known for.
Step 7: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes. The foil traps steam, allowing the rice to cook gently while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
Step 8: Finish Baking Uncovered
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes. This final step lets the chicken brown slightly on top and helps the rice become fluffy and perfectly cooked.
Step 9: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, let your Butter Chicken Rice Bake rest for 5 minutes. This brief pause helps the juices settle, making each bite even more flavorful and satisfying.
How to Serve Butter Chicken Rice Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten this comforting dish with fresh, chopped parsley or cilantro. A squeeze of lemon juice over the top can add a zesty contrast to the savory, buttery richness, making every bite pop with freshness.
Side Dishes
Because the Butter Chicken Rice Bake Recipe is so hearty, keep your sides light and vibrant. A crisp cucumber salad or steamed green beans with a hint of garlic complement it beautifully without overwhelming the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming family-style presentation, serve the bake directly from the dish and let everyone scoop their portions. Alternatively, plate it with a decorative drizzle of yogurt or a dollop of mango chutney on the side to introduce some creaminess or sweetness that pairs wonderfully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the remaining portions just as delicious, if not more so.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Butter Chicken Rice Bake Recipe on hand for longer, freeze leftovers in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, or microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring between, until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth can help restore moisture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of long grain white rice?
Brown rice can be used, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust your baking time accordingly and possibly increase the broth to ensure it cooks fully and stays moist.
Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil while baking?
Covering with foil traps steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly without drying out. Removing it towards the end allows the chicken to brown nicely, providing a lovely texture and flavor contrast.
Can I substitute the chicken breasts with other proteins?
Absolutely! Thighs work wonderfully if you prefer darker meat, offering more fat and flavor. Just be mindful of slight changes in cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning? What can I use instead?
No worries! You can create a simple blend with dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. These herbs echo the warmth and complexity of Italian seasoning beautifully.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red chili flakes to the seasoning mix before baking. This adds a gentle heat that complements the rich butter and savory chicken perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Chicken Rice Bake Recipe is one of those glorious dishes that feels cozy and special all at once. It’s simple to prepare yet impressive in taste and texture, making it ideal for sharing with family or friends. I can’t recommend it enough—once you try it, it’s bound to become your go-to comfort meal for busy days or relaxed weekends. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and enjoy the magic of this buttery, flavorful bake!
Print
Butter Chicken Rice Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Butter Chicken Rice recipe is a comforting and easy one-dish meal where tender chicken breasts are baked atop a bed of flavorful rice enriched with butter and Italian seasoning. The chicken cooks perfectly in the oven alongside the rice, absorbing the savory broth and spices, resulting in a delicious, hearty dinner ready in just over an hour.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long grain rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Butter
- 1 stick unsalted butter (8 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Rice Base: Spread the uncooked long grain rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer for even cooking.
- Add Chicken: Place the two boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice, positioning them evenly so they cook thoroughly.
- Pour Broth: Pour 2 cups of chicken broth over the rice and chicken, which will hydrate the rice and infuse flavor into the chicken during baking.
- Season: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper evenly over the chicken and rice for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Add Butter: Slice the 1 stick of unsalted butter into pats and scatter them evenly over the top to add richness and moisture throughout the dish.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam, then bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is almost cooked through.
- Remove Foil and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to allow the chicken to fully cook and for the top to slightly brown and the rice to become fluffy.
- Rest: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor, but this will alter the traditional chicken taste.
- For added texture, garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
