When it comes to lunch recipes, we all crave something that feels satisfying, comforting, and flavorful – yet easy enough to prepare on a busy day. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rice is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes. It combines juicy chicken seared to golden perfection, a velvety garlic butter cream sauce, and perfectly cooked rice to soak up all the flavors. Whether you’re preparing a family lunch, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, this dish will never disappoint.
Why This Recipe Works
- ✔ Quick and ready in under 40 minutes
- ✔ Packed with flavor – garlic, butter, herbs, and cream
- ✔ One-pan friendly (less cleanup!)
- ✔ Perfect for family meals or weekly lunch prep
- ✔ Easy to customize – swap rice for pasta, quinoa, or mashed potatoes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) | 4 medium |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 5–6 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup |
| Fresh parsley (or basil) | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Cooked white rice | 3 cups |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat dry and season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same pan, melt remaining butter, add garlic, and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in parmesan until sauce thickens.
- Return chicken: Place chicken back in the pan and simmer in sauce for 5–7 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon sauce over cooked rice and garnish with parsley.
Pro Tips & Hacks
- ✨ Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for faster cooking.
- ✨ Add a splash of white wine for a gourmet touch.
- ✨ For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- ✨ This sauce pairs beautifully with pasta or mashed potatoes too.
Healthy & Alternative Variations
- Low-Carb/Keto: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure broth and parmesan are gluten-free certified.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for parmesan.
- Vegan Option: Replace chicken with tofu or seitan, and use plant-based cream and butter.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: 34g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.
Can I freeze creamy garlic butter chicken?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat with extra broth.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely – thighs add more juiciness and flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rice is more than just lunch – it’s a crowd-pleasing comfort dish that blends richness with simplicity. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, family lunches, or even special gatherings. Try it once, and it will become a regular on your table.
