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
Scale
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.
