Pin This garlic-butter chicken and broccoli rice has become my weeknight dinner hero, combining protein, vegetables, and starch in one satisfying skillet. The buttery garlic flavor infuses every grain of rice while the chicken stays juicy and the broccoli tender-crisp.
I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick but still wholesome. My family was so impressed by how flavorful it was despite the minimal effort that it's now in our regular rotation at least twice a month.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These stay juicy when cut into uniform pieces and cook quickly. Look for plump pieces without white striping for best quality.
- Broccoli florets: Provide color, nutrition and pleasant texture contrast. Choose bright green heads with tight florets for freshness.
- Long grain white rice: The perfect canvas for absorbing the garlicky butter sauce. Jasmine or basmati varieties work beautifully here.
- Butter: Creates the rich base for the sauce. Use unsalted so you can control the seasoning level.
- Garlic: The star flavor builder. Fresh cloves provide much better flavor than pre minced varieties.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth while cooking the rice. Low sodium allows you to adjust salt to your preference.
- Simple seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika and thyme enhance without overwhelming the dish. Fresh thyme provides brighter flavor if available.
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Toss chicken pieces thoroughly with salt, pepper and paprika until evenly coated. This seasoning layer is crucial for building flavor from the beginning.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Cook the chicken pieces in hot butter until just golden on the outside but still slightly underdone in the center. They'll finish cooking later and remain juicy. Watch carefully as overcooking here will result in dry chicken.
- Build the Flavor Base:
- Sauté onion and garlic in fresh butter until fragrant but not browned. This aromatic foundation infuses the entire dish with savory depth. Keep the heat moderate to prevent the garlic from burning which would create bitterness.
- Toast the Rice:
- Stir rice into the aromatics for a full minute which opens up the grains and allows them to absorb more flavor. You'll notice the rice becoming slightly translucent around the edges which indicates it's properly toasted.
- Create the Cooking Liquid:
- Pour in chicken broth and add thyme creating the flavorful liquid that will cook the rice to perfection. Bringing it to a full boil first ensures even cooking.
- Layer and Steam:
- Place broccoli on top without stirring which allows it to steam gently while the rice cooks underneath. The covered cooking period is essential for properly cooking the rice while keeping the broccoli bright green and crisp tender.
- Final Integration:
- Return the chicken to the pan and stir everything together which distributes all components evenly. The final uncovered cooking allows excess moisture to evaporate and flavors to concentrate.
- Finish with Butter:
- Stirring in fresh butter at the end creates a glossy, rich finish that coats every component beautifully. This final touch elevates the entire dish.
Pin The garlic is truly what makes this dish special. I learned through many iterations that allowing the garlic to gently infuse into the butter creates a much more aromatic and complex flavor than simply tossing it in later. My husband always knows when this dish is cooking because the entire house fills with that irresistible buttery garlic aroma.
Make-Ahead Options
This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy households. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to revive the moisture in the rice. The flavors actually develop further overnight, making next-day leftovers sometimes even more delicious than the original meal. For best results, reheat gently in a covered skillet rather than the microwave to maintain the texture of both the rice and chicken.
Ingredient Swaps
This recipe welcomes customization based on what you have available. Chicken thighs can replace breasts for even juicier results. Cauliflower florets work beautifully instead of broccoli, maintaining that satisfying texture contrast. Brown rice creates a nuttier version but requires additional cooking time and about 1/2 cup more broth. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The core garlic butter flavor profile remains delicious with any of these substitutions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this complete meal in wide shallow bowls to showcase all the components. A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness of the butter. For added texture, sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds or pine nuts. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich main dish. For special occasions, serve alongside crusty artisan bread for soaking up the delicious buttery sauce that pools at the bottom of the dish.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your rice seems undercooked after the specified time, add an additional 1/4 cup of hot broth, cover, and cook for 2 more minutes. Different rice varieties and cookware can affect cooking time. Should the mixture become too dry during cooking, add broth a tablespoon at a time. Conversely, if too much liquid remains at the end of cooking, remove the lid and increase heat slightly to evaporate excess moisture. For perfectly cooked broccoli that remains bright green, ensure pieces are uniform in size and resist the urge to stir them into the rice too early.
Pin This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and will add extra juiciness to the dish. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- → How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?
Rinse the rice well before cooking and avoid stirring after adding the broth and broccoli. Let it simmer undisturbed.
- → Is there a substitute for butter?
You can use olive oil or a non-dairy butter alternative for the garlic sauce, but it will change the flavor slightly.
- → What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Try bell peppers, snap peas, or chopped spinach for added color and nutrition.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check all labels for allergens.