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One-Pan Buttered Chicken and Rice: easy weeknight meal

Prep 5 min Cook 20 min Difficulty 2/5

One-pan buttered chicken and rice: simple, cozy, and weeknight-friendly. Uses pantry staples for a quick meal.

Why this recipe works

This recipe makes a cozy one-pan chicken and rice using pantry staples. It’s ideal for busy weeknights and cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup. Suitable for small households or meal prepping.

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Key takeaways

One-pan dinner minimizes cleanup.
Toasting rice adds flavor and texture.
Use shredded chicken to save time and boost protein.

Recipe guide

This recipe makes a cozy one-pan chicken and rice using pantry staples. It’s ideal for busy weeknights and cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup. Suitable for small households or meal prepping.

A simple one-pan dinner that's ready fast.

  • One-pan dinner minimizes cleanup.
  • Toasting rice adds flavor and texture.
  • Use shredded chicken to save time and boost protein.

Toast the rice

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add rice and toast 2 minutes until lightly golden.

Cook the rice in broth

Pour in chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed.

Finish and serve

Fluff rice, stir in shredded chicken, season with salt and pepper, heat through 2–3 minutes. Stir in parsley if using and serve.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 8 oz cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add rice and toast, stirring, for 2 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover skillet.
  5. Simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Fluff rice with a fork and stir in shredded chicken.
  7. Season with salt and pepper and heat through for 2–3 minutes.
  8. Stir in chopped parsley if using and serve warm.

FAQs

Can I use other rice varieties? Yes. You can adapt cooking time for different rice types by adding a few minutes for firmer grains and checking tenderness near the end.
Can I substitute brown rice? Yes. If using brown rice, increase liquid and time accordingly (e.g., 1 3/4 cups liquid per half cup brown rice and longer simmer).
How should I store leftovers? Leftovers store in the fridge 3–4 days in an airtight container; reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.