Stick of Butter Chicken Rice

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If you’re craving comfort food that’s as rich and satisfying as it is easy to prepare, Stick of Butter Chicken Rice delivers every time. Tender chicken, buttery rice, and savory seasoning meld into a golden, creamy one-pot wonder that’s weeknight magic. This Southern-style casserole takes minimal effort and rewards you with big, nostalgic flavor.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Everything bakes together—uncooked rice, broth, seasonings, and that signature full stick of butter—until perfectly tender and irresistibly savory. The chicken soaks in all the buttery goodness while the rice gets creamy around the edges with crispy golden bits at the top.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Stick of Butter Chicken Rice?

Chicken thighs are a top choice for this recipe. They stay moist and flavorful throughout the baking process, absorbing all the buttery, seasoned broth. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts also work if you prefer leaner meat, but be sure not to overcook them.

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Ingredients for the Stick of Butter Chicken Rice

• Chicken thighs or breasts – The star protein, tender and juicy after baking in butter.
• Long-grain white rice – Stays fluffy and separate; absorbs flavor without getting mushy.
• Chicken broth – Adds savory depth and infuses the rice with flavor.
• Cream of chicken soup – Gives a creamy, comforting texture to the base.
• A full stick of unsalted butter – Melts into the dish, creating rich flavor and moisture.
• Dry onion soup mix – Packs in the seasoning with onion flavor and herbs.
• Fresh parsley (optional) – A fresh garnish to brighten the dish and add a hint of color.

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How To Make the Stick of Butter Chicken Rice

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

In your prepared baking dish, add the uncooked rice in an even layer. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the cream of chicken soup until well combined. Nestle the chicken pieces over the rice mixture.

Step 3: Season It Up

Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken and rice. Cut the stick of butter into thin pats and distribute them over the top of everything. This ensures the buttery flavor melts evenly throughout the dish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender with golden edges.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if using, then serve warm.

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Serving and Storing Stick of Butter Chicken Rice

Serve this dish warm straight from the oven with a side of steamed green beans or a simple side salad. The rich, buttery flavors make it a cozy standalone meal too. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs liquid differently, so it’s not ideal for this version. Stick with long-grain white rice for the best texture.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes! Diced carrots, peas, or mushrooms can be added along with the rice for extra texture and nutrition.

What if I only have salted butter?

You can still use it—just reduce any additional salt in the recipe to avoid it being too salty.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?

You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if needed. They’ll slightly change the flavor but still taste great.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

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Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you love this buttery baked chicken and rice, you’ll enjoy these other weeknight-friendly favorites:

• Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sauteed Garlic Butter Chicken for a rich and savory pasta night.
• Honey Garlic Ribs when you’re craving sticky, sweet, and tender bites.
• Low-Carb Greek Chicken Bowls for something bright, fresh, and healthy.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with bold flavors and creamy pasta.
• Cream Cheese Chicken for a comfort dish that’s pure indulgence.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use thighs or breasts? Did you sneak in any veggies?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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