Golden, buttery, and bursting with comforting flavor, Stick of Butter Chicken Rice is a dinner winner. Imagine tender chicken breasts nestled into fluffy rice, all baked together in a luscious bath of butter, chicken broth, and seasoning. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma and gathers everyone eagerly around the table.
What makes this dish shine is its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you get a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Minimal prep, one pan, and maximum comfort — that’s the magic of Stick of Butter Chicken Rice.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the classic choice for this recipe because they cook evenly and stay tender in the buttery rice bath. You can also swap in boneless thighs if you prefer richer, darker meat. For a shortcut, chicken tenders work beautifully too, cutting down the cooking time.
Ingredients for the Stick of Butter Chicken Rice
- Chicken Breasts: The star protein, providing juicy bites throughout the dish.
- Long Grain Rice: Soaks up all the buttery, savory flavors for a tender, fluffy base.
- Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with extra depth and richness.
- Butter (one stick): Adds luscious flavor and ensures everything stays moist.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings a herby, aromatic note that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Gives a subtle savory kick.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.


How To Make the Stick of Butter Chicken Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom, creating a soft bed for the chicken.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice. Nestle them in slightly so they sit snug but not fully buried.
Step 3: Add the Flavor
Pour chicken broth over the rice and chicken. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly. Finally, slice the stick of butter into pats and dot them across the dish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and fluffy.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the rice to settle perfectly.
Serving and Storing Stick of Butter Chicken Rice
Serve this dish hot, right from the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon if you like a pop of brightness. Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
For storing, let leftovers cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back the moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant rice?
No, instant rice will overcook and become mushy. Stick with long-grain rice for the best texture.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Freeze in portions, then thaw overnight and reheat with a bit of broth or water.
What vegetables go well with this?
Roasted broccoli, green beans, or a fresh cucumber salad are fantastic alongside.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce before baking for a spicy kick.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Stick of Butter Chicken Rice, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
- Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a citrusy, cheesy twist.
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta if you’re craving indulgent comfort.
- One Pot Creamy Chicken Cheddar Ranch Pasta for a cozy, ranch-flavored dinner.
- Classic Chicken Marsala Recipe with rich mushroom wine sauce.
- One Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac for a bold, zesty kick.
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 swap in chicken thighs or play with the seasoning? Did you add a veggie twist?
I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook better!
For more daily recipe inspiration, visit my Pinterest at Life with Nina.


Stick of Butter Chicken Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Golden, buttery chicken baked over fluffy rice, soaked in savory broth and herbs. An easy, comforting one-pan dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long grain rice (uncooked)
2 cups chicken broth
1 stick butter (unsalted)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread uncooked rice evenly in the dish.
3. Place chicken breasts on top of the rice.
4. Pour chicken broth over rice and chicken.
5. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly.
6. Slice butter into pats and scatter on top.
7. Cover dish tightly with foil and bake 45-50 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and rice is fluffy.
9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For juicier meat, you can swap in boneless chicken thighs.
Make sure to use long grain rice — instant rice will turn mushy.
Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 0.8 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: chicken rice, one pan, comfort food
