Buttery Garlic Chicken and Rice
Video Stats
Recipe Overview
Overview
This recipe for buttery garlic chicken and rice is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will surely become a family favorite. The use of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ensures that the meat remains juicy and flavorful throughout the cooking process. Searing the chicken first not only adds a beautiful golden color but also helps render the fat, which infuses the rice with rich flavor as it cooks.
The combination of garlic and smoked paprika creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist. As the chicken bakes, the rice absorbs the savory chicken stock, resulting in a fluffy and perfectly cooked side dish. This one-pan meal is not only easy to prepare but also minimizes cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
For those looking to add a bit of color and nutrition, consider folding in some frozen peas or fresh spinach just before serving. This dish is versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this buttery garlic chicken and rice is sure to impress.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Preheat a skillet with olive oil.
Tip: Using dark meat chicken helps prevent drying out.
Season bone-in skin-on chicken thighs with garlic and smoked paprika.
Tip: Smoked paprika adds a lovely smokiness and depth of flavor.
Place chicken thighs skin side down in the skillet and sear until golden.
Tip: Use really hot stock for better cooking results.
Chop a ton of garlic for the dish.
Add rice to the baking dish.
Add chopped garlic, garlic and herb seasoning, and Italian seasoning to the rice.
Heat chicken stock until very hot.
Add hot stock to the rice mixture.
Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the baking dish.
Tip: You can add frozen peas or a vegetable mix for extra flavor.
Place seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture.
Cover the baking dish and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
Uncover the dish and bake for another 30 minutes.
Tip: Cover the dish for the first 30 minutes to keep moisture, then uncover to crisp the skin.
Remove from oven and check that chicken and rice are cooked.
Tip: If using brown rice, adjust the liquid amount and cooking time.
Serve the chicken and rice, optionally adding fresh spinach.
Tip: A squeeze of lemon can enhance the flavor profile.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Oil
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Searing chicken thighs before baking helps render fat and achieve crispy skin.
- •Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs prevents the meat from drying out during cooking.
- •Hot chicken stock is essential for cooking the rice evenly and thoroughly.
- •Adding frozen peas or spinach at the end enhances the dish's nutrition and flavor.
