There’s something so comforting about a warm, home-cooked meal that fills the kitchen with delicious aromas. This One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mozzarella Rice is one of those recipes that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. It’s quick to whip up, packed with flavor, and perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will become a staple in your home!
Why You’ll Love One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mozzarella Rice
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – juicy and tender, these form the heart of the dish.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – for that rich, buttery flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon paprika – adds a lovely warmth and color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – simple seasonings for enhancing flavor.
- 1 cup arborio rice – the star of the creamy rice; it’s perfect for absorbing flavors.
- 2 cups chicken broth – for a savory base.
- 1 cup heavy cream – adds creaminess and richness to the rice.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – melty cheese for that delightful finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mozzarella Rice
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the arborio rice to the skillet and stir to coat the rice in the garlic butter. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and nestle it into the rice. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Substitutions & Additions
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few ideas:
- Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Use different types of cheese like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor.
- Add in some veggies like spinach or peas for extra nutrition and color.
Tips for Success
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken; it helps in achieving that beautiful golden color.
- Stir the rice occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- You can prepare the chicken and rice ahead of time and combine them just before serving for a quick meal!
How to Store One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mozzarella Rice
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to bring back the creaminess.
FAQs
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice in advance and combine them before serving.
- What can I serve with this dish? A simple side salad or some garlic bread would pair nicely!
- Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
This One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mozzarella Rice is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. For more delicious recipes, check out Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes for a flavorful twist or Breakfast Burrito for treats you will love!
If you love discovering new recipes, be sure to follow our Pinterest for more inspiration!
One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mozzarella Rice
There’s something so comforting about a warm, home-cooked meal that fills the kitchen with delicious aromas. This One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mozzarella Rice is one of those recipes that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. It's quick to whip up, packed with flavor, and perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter for that rich, buttery flavor
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika adds a lovely warmth and color
For the Creamy Mozzarella Rice
- 1 cup arborio rice perfect for absorbing flavors
- 2 cups chicken broth for a savory base
- 1 cup heavy cream adds creaminess and richness
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese melty cheese for that delightful finish
For garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the arborio rice to the skillet and stir to coat the rice in the garlic butter. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and nestle it into the rice. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to bring back the creaminess.