Some nights, you just want dinner to come together without drama. This chicken breast dinner with rice and garlic butter sauce fits right into those evenings when ease matters most, but flavor can’t be compromised. The moment the garlic butter starts sizzling in the pan, it’s like a quiet promise that something satisfying is on its way.

I remember the last time I made this—it was one of those days where I had a million things swirling around my head, and I almost forgot the rice was cooking. The smell pulled me back just in time, and the golden chicken resting in its buttery garlic bath felt like a little reward for not losing track completely. The way the steam rises off the fluffy rice, mingling with the rich aroma, makes you want to dig in right away. It’s simple comfort food, but with just enough flair to feel like an occasion.

It’s straightforward but still manages to feel like a treat on the plate.
The garlic butter sauce is rich without being heavy — a little indulgence that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Cooking everything in about 35 minutes means it’s manageable even on busier days.
It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fancy ingredients, just honest, satisfying flavors.

If you’re worried about juggling the pan and the rice at once, don’t stress. This recipe is forgiving enough that a little multitasking hiccup won’t derail the whole dinner.

Chicken Breast Dinner with Rice

Print Recipe

A simple and delicious chicken breast dinner served with fluffy white rice and a flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
Add the rice to the boiling broth, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
While the rice cooks, reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic.
Cook the garlic in the butter for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter over them. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm through.
Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and transfer to serving plates.
Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice and drizzle with the garlic butter from the skillet.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and rice for garnish and serve immediately.

Don’t sweat fancy kitchen gear here — a skillet and a saucepan are all you really need. I usually pair this with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to round out the meal. Sometimes I swap the white rice for brown, just to see if I’m feeling a bit more whole-grain that day. Or, if I’m feeling adventurous, a squeeze of lemon over the top adds a surprising brightness. Occasionally, I sneak in some red pepper flakes for a mild kick, but that’s not for everyone.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, but the cooking time might be a bit longer to ensure they’re cooked through.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley? Dried parsley can work in a pinch, but fresh adds that final pop of color and flavor.

Is it okay to make this ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken and rice separately and warm them up, but the garlic butter sauce is best fresh.

When the day winds down and you want a meal that feels like a small victory, this chicken breast dinner with rice and garlic butter is worth a spot on your menu. Give it a try, and maybe save the recipe for those evenings when you want a little comfort with minimal fuss.