Flavor-Packed Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken with Savory Rice is a bold and satisfying one-pan dish that combines tender diced chicken with aromatic spices, fragrant garlic, and buttery rice. This dish delivers robust flavor in every bite, making it an ideal option for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal prep recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together heat, richness, and comfort all in one skillet. The spiced garlic butter elevates the chicken to new heights, while the rice absorbs all the flavorful broth and seasoning for a savory, cohesive dish. It’s a complete meal that requires minimal cleanup, and it comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy schedules. The dish is also highly customizable for different spice preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Chicken breasts, diced
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Olive oil
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Garlic cloves, minced
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Red pepper flakes
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Butter
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Long-grain rice
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Chicken broth
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Paprika
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Chili powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions
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Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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Prepare Garlic Butter Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Cook the Rice: Stir in the long-grain rice, chicken broth, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the rice simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
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Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stir to combine, and let everything heat together for 2–3 more minutes.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
Variations
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Vegetable Addition: Add bell peppers, peas, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat tolerance.
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Alternative Protein: Use diced turkey, shrimp, or tofu as a substitute for chicken.
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Cheesy Finish: Stir in shredded cheese just before serving for extra richness.
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Herb Swap: Replace parsley with cilantro or chives for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: This dish freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and may add more flavor due to their higher fat content.
How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild to moderate heat level. You can reduce or increase the red pepper flakes based on your preference.
Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and potentially more liquid.
What type of skillet is best for this recipe?
A heavy-bottomed or nonstick skillet with a tight-fitting lid works best to ensure even cooking of the rice.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add vegetables or plant-based protein for substance.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely. It’s great for meal prep and can be made ahead and reheated when ready to serve.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well with this hearty main course.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking or burning?
Keep the heat low while simmering, and ensure the skillet is properly covered to trap moisture.
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Pre-cooked rice is not recommended for this recipe, as it won’t absorb the flavors the same way raw rice will.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, though the flavor will be less rich.
Conclusion
Flavor-Packed Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken with Savory Rice is a dynamic and fulfilling dish that combines bold seasonings, aromatic garlic, and comforting textures into one effortless meal. It’s ideal for quick weeknight cooking without sacrificing depth of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this dish delivers both satisfaction and simplicity.
Print
Flavor-Packed Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken with Savory Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Flavor-packed Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken with Savory Rice is a bold and satisfying one-pan dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Juicy diced chicken is seared and tossed in a spicy garlic butter sauce, then simmered with perfectly seasoned rice for a hearty, comforting meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is a must-try for spice lovers.
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breasts, diced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp red pepper flakes
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2 tbsp butter
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1 cup long-grain rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp chili powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute.
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Stir in rice, chicken broth, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is cooked.
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Return chicken to the skillet, stir, and cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat through.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
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Adjust red pepper flakes for your preferred heat level.
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For extra depth, add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving.
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Can be made ahead and reheated — great for meal prep.
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