Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

 

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rice Skillet – A One-Pan Family Favorite

There are few things more comforting than the rich aroma of garlic, the smooth melt of cheese, the savory goodness of seasoned chicken, and the heartiness of rice—all cooked in one pan. This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rice Skillet is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy enough for weeknights, flavorful enough for guests, and hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest appetites.

In this 2,000-word article, you’ll find everything from the full recipe and techniques, to flavor customizations, nutritional notes, serving suggestions, and chef tips to make this dish perfectly every time.

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⭐ Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

• Total Time: 45–50 minutes

• Serves: 4–6

• Difficulty: Easy

• Method: One-skillet stovetop

This dish blends the creaminess of melted cheddar, the boldness of garlic, the richness of butter, and the savoriness of tender chicken breast—all stirred into fluffy, seasoned rice. It's an indulgent, satisfying, and balanced dinner idea.

---

🧄 Ingredients Breakdown

Here are the main ingredients and what each one contributes to the recipe:

🐔 Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
  Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The smaller the pieces, the quicker and more evenly they cook.

🧈 Garlic Butter Base

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  Butter adds richness and acts as the base for flavor.

• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
  Garlic brings a deep, aromatic intensity. You can reduce if you prefer a milder profile.

🧂 Seasoning

• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

• 1 teaspoon paprika
  For warmth and color.

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  Adds complexity with herbs like oregano and basil.

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  For a mild heat kick.

🍚 Rice & Liquid

• 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
  Basmati or jasmine also works well. Avoid instant rice.

• 2 ½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
  Deepens the flavor while cooking the rice.

• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
  For extra creaminess in the final dish.

🧀 Cheese

• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  Melts beautifully and brings richness.

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional)
  For stretch and gooey texture.

🌿 Finishers

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  Adds brightness.

• Juice from ½ lemon (optional)
  Cuts richness and balances the flavors.

---

🍳 Cooking Instructions: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

• Dice the chicken into small, even cubes.

• Pat dry with paper towels (this helps browning).

• In a bowl, season with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.

• Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer.

• Cook for 2–3 minutes without stirring to develop a golden crust.

• Stir and cook another 3–4 minutes until chicken is nearly cooked through.

• Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Toast Rice

• In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.

• Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.

• Once melted, add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.

• Stir in the uncooked rice. Toast rice in garlic butter for 2 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

• Slowly pour in the chicken broth. Stir to combine.

• Bring to a gentle boil.

• Return the chicken to the pan and stir it into the rice mixture.

• Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

💡 Tip: If the liquid evaporates before the rice is tender, add a splash more broth and continue simmering.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

• Once rice is fully cooked, stir in heavy cream if using.

• Add cheddar cheese and mozzarella. Mix until cheese melts and coats the chicken and rice.

• Taste and adjust seasoning—add salt, pepper, or even a dash of lemon juice if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Remove from heat.

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

• Serve warm right from the skillet or transfer to a platter.

---

🥄 Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but you can elevate the meal with these simple pairings:

🌱 Light Side Dishes:

• Steamed broccoli or green beans

• Simple side salad with vinaigrette

• Sliced cucumbers with lemon and salt

🥖 Bread Pairings:

• Garlic breadsticks

• Toasted sourdough

• Warm pita wedges

🍷 Beverage Pairings:

• Iced tea with lemon

• A buttery Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio

• Sparkling water with lime

---

🔁 Variations and Customizations

Here’s how to put your own spin on this recipe:

🌶️ Spicy Version:

Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño with the garlic.

🥦 Veggie Boost:

Add 1 cup of chopped spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas when you add the broth. They'll cook down beautifully with the rice.

🧀 Cheese Options:

Swap out cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, provolone, or a smoked cheese for different flavor profiles.

🍗 Protein Switch:

Use rotisserie chicken (added after rice cooks), ground chicken or turkey, or even shrimp.

---

🧼 Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge:

• Let the dish cool completely.

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

• You can freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.

• Reheat with a splash of water or broth to bring back creaminess.

Reheat:

• Microwave: Reheat on medium power for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Stovetop: Heat in a pan with a bit of broth and stir until hot and creamy again.

---

🧠 Nutritional Snapshot (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 36g

• Fat: 24g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 710mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on cheese, broth, and added ingredients.

---

🧑‍🍳 Pro Chef Tips

1. Toasting the Rice: Don’t skip this—it deepens the flavor and keeps the texture fluffy.

2. Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet: Helps avoid burnt rice or hot spots.

3. Cheese in Stages: Add cheese slowly and stir well to avoid clumping.

4. Let It Rest: After turning off the heat, cover and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken and develop deeper flavor.

5. Double the Recipe: This is a perfect make-ahead meal. Simply double and store for busy nights.

---

🏅 Why This Recipe Is a Winner

• All-in-One Meal: Protein, carbs, and flavor in one skillet.

• Kid-Approved: Creamy, cheesy, garlicky—what’s not to love?

• Minimal Clean-Up: One pan = fewer dishes.

• Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and low-cost ingredients.

• Comfort Food Heaven: Cozy enough for fall, rich enough for winter, fast enough for summer.

---

📝 Final Thoughts

There are many ways to cook chicken and rice, but few are as soul-satisfying as this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rice Skillet. The creamy cheese. The soft, flavorful rice. The savory, juicy chicken. The golden garlic butter base that ties it all together. It’s a true kitchen staple that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.

If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that feels like a hug on a plate, this is it. Keep this recipe bookmarked, printed, and shared—you’ll be making it over and over again.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rice Skillet – A One-Pan Family Favorite

There are few things more comforting than the rich aroma of garlic, the smooth melt of cheese, the savory goodness of seasoned chicken, and the heartiness of rice—all cooked in one pan. This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rice Skillet is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy enough for weeknights, flavorful enough for guests, and hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest appetites.

In this 2,000-word article, you’ll find everything from the full recipe and techniques, to flavor customizations, nutritional notes, serving suggestions, and chef tips to make this dish perfectly every time.

---

⭐ Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

• Total Time: 45–50 minutes

• Serves: 4–6

• Difficulty: Easy

• Method: One-skillet stovetop

This dish blends the creaminess of melted cheddar, the boldness of garlic, the richness of butter, and the savoriness of tender chicken breast—all stirred into fluffy, seasoned rice. It's an indulgent, satisfying, and balanced dinner idea.

---

🧄 Ingredients Breakdown

Here are the main ingredients and what each one contributes to the recipe:

🐔 Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
  Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The smaller the pieces, the quicker and more evenly they cook.

🧈 Garlic Butter Base

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  Butter adds richness and acts as the base for flavor.

• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
  Garlic brings a deep, aromatic intensity. You can reduce if you prefer a milder profile.

🧂 Seasoning

• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

• 1 teaspoon paprika
  For warmth and color.

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  Adds complexity with herbs like oregano and basil.

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  For a mild heat kick.

🍚 Rice & Liquid

• 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
  Basmati or jasmine also works well. Avoid instant rice.

• 2 ½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
  Deepens the flavor while cooking the rice.

• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
  For extra creaminess in the final dish.

🧀 Cheese

• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  Melts beautifully and brings richness.

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional)
  For stretch and gooey texture.

🌿 Finishers

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  Adds brightness.

• Juice from ½ lemon (optional)
  Cuts richness and balances the flavors.

---

🍳 Cooking Instructions: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

• Dice the chicken into small, even cubes.

• Pat dry with paper towels (this helps browning).

• In a bowl, season with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.

• Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer.

• Cook for 2–3 minutes without stirring to develop a golden crust.

• Stir and cook another 3–4 minutes until chicken is nearly cooked through.

• Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Toast Rice

• In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.

• Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.

• Once melted, add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.

• Stir in the uncooked rice. Toast rice in garlic butter for 2 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

• Slowly pour in the chicken broth. Stir to combine.

• Bring to a gentle boil.

• Return the chicken to the pan and stir it into the rice mixture.

• Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

💡 Tip: If the liquid evaporates before the rice is tender, add a splash more broth and continue simmering.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

• Once rice is fully cooked, stir in heavy cream if using.

• Add cheddar cheese and mozzarella. Mix until cheese melts and coats the chicken and rice.

• Taste and adjust seasoning—add salt, pepper, or even a dash of lemon juice if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Remove from heat.

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

• Serve warm right from the skillet or transfer to a platter.

---

🥄 Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but you can elevate the meal with these simple pairings:

🌱 Light Side Dishes:

• Steamed broccoli or green beans

• Simple side salad with vinaigrette

• Sliced cucumbers with lemon and salt

🥖 Bread Pairings:

• Garlic breadsticks

• Toasted sourdough

• Warm pita wedges

🍷 Beverage Pairings:

• Iced tea with lemon

• A buttery Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio

• Sparkling water with lime

---

🔁 Variations and Customizations

Here’s how to put your own spin on this recipe:

🌶️ Spicy Version:

Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño with the garlic.

🥦 Veggie Boost:

Add 1 cup of chopped spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas when you add the broth. They'll cook down beautifully with the rice.

🧀 Cheese Options:

Swap out cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, provolone, or a smoked cheese for different flavor profiles.

🍗 Protein Switch:

Use rotisserie chicken (added after rice cooks), ground chicken or turkey, or even shrimp.

---

🧼 Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge:

• Let the dish cool completely.

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

• You can freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.

• Reheat with a splash of water or broth to bring back creaminess.

Reheat:

• Microwave: Reheat on medium power for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Stovetop: Heat in a pan with a bit of broth and stir until hot and creamy again.

---

🧠 Nutritional Snapshot (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 36g

• Fat: 24g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 710mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on cheese, broth, and added ingredients.

---

🧑‍🍳 Pro Chef Tips

1. Toasting the Rice: Don’t skip this—it deepens the flavor and keeps the texture fluffy.

2. Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet: Helps avoid burnt rice or hot spots.

3. Cheese in Stages: Add cheese slowly and stir well to avoid clumping.

4. Let It Rest: After turning off the heat, cover and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken and develop deeper flavor.

5. Double the Recipe: This is a perfect make-ahead meal. Simply double and store for busy nights.

---

🏅 Why This Recipe Is a Winner

• All-in-One Meal: Protein, carbs, and flavor in one skillet.

• Kid-Approved: Creamy, cheesy, garlicky—what’s not to love?

• Minimal Clean-Up: One pan = fewer dishes.

• Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and low-cost ingredients.

• Comfort Food Heaven: Cozy enough for fall, rich enough for winter, fast enough for summer.

---

📝 Final Thoughts

There are many ways to cook chicken and rice, but few are as soul-satisfying as this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rice Skillet. The creamy cheese. The soft, flavorful rice. The savory, juicy chicken. The golden garlic butter base that ties it all together. It’s a true kitchen staple that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.

If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that feels like a hug on a plate, this is it. Keep this recipe bookmarked, printed, and shared—you’ll be making it over and over again.