Introduction
I’ll be honest with you—this stick of butter rice with chicken recipe wasn’t something I grew up making. I stumbled upon it one chilly evening when I needed a hearty meal but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I remember scrolling through old handwritten recipes from my grandmother and spotting one with just a few ingredients: rice, chicken broth, butter, and chicken. I thought to myself, “Can something so simple really taste that good?” Spoiler alert—it was even better than I expected.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a meal that’s warm, filling, and packed with flavor. The butter adds a rich, nutty taste, the chicken broth makes the rice savory and fluffy, and the chicken turns it into a complete one-pan meal. It’s the kind of dish that works perfectly on busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or even when you’re hosting friends and want something cozy yet impressive.
If you love easy recipes that taste like they took hours but really only need a few steps, you’re going to love this. Let’s get into the details so you can make this tonight!
Ingredients for Stick of Butter Rice with Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
Tip: Basmati or jasmine rice work well too. For a healthier twist, try brown rice, but cooking time will increase by about 20 minutes. - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
Alternative: If you don’t like French onion, you can use cream of mushroom soup or chicken soup for a different flavor. - 1 can (10.5 oz) beef consommé or chicken broth
This adds deep flavor. If you’re vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead. - 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
If you only have salted butter, reduce the salt you add later. - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Thighs give more flavor and stay juicy, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional, adjust to taste)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Base
In the dish, combine the rice, French onion soup, beef consommé (or chicken broth), and seasonings. Stir gently until everything is well mixed.
3. Add the Butter
Slice the stick of butter into thin pieces and scatter them evenly on top of the rice mixture. This ensures the butter melts throughout, giving the dish its rich flavor.
4. Place the Chicken
Season your chicken pieces with a bit more salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Nestle them on top of the rice mixture.
5. Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30–35 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp should be 165°F).
6. Garnish and Serve
Once done, let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the butter. It’s what gives this dish its name and unique flavor. If you’re worried about too much fat, you can use half butter and half olive oil.
- Cover while baking. Keeping it covered for the first half ensures the rice cooks properly.
- Rice matters. Long-grain rice works best. Avoid instant rice—it will turn mushy.
- Chicken placement. Don’t bury the chicken completely in the rice; it needs to sit slightly on top so it bakes evenly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercooked rice: This happens if you don’t cover the dish long enough. Always bake covered first.
- Using too much liquid: Stick to the measurements. Too much broth will make the rice soggy.
- Dry chicken: If using chicken breasts, check them earlier as they can cook faster than thighs.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile and pairs well with so many sides. Here are my favorites:
- Steamed or roasted vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots add color and balance.
- Fresh salad: A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
- Dinner rolls or garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up extra broth.
- Wine pairing: A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the buttery flavors.
For variations:
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the rice mix.
- Kid-friendly: Use cream of chicken soup instead of French onion for a milder flavor.
- Holiday version: Add mushrooms, cranberries, or nuts to give it a festive twist.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 15 minutes or microwave with a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.
- Freezing: Yes, this dish freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Meal prep: Bake ahead and portion into containers for easy lunches during the week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on substitutions and portion sizes.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. Add about 20–25 extra minutes to baking time and check for doneness.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but butter gives the dish its rich flavor. Margarine won’t taste the same.
3. Can I make this without chicken?
Absolutely. You can make stick of butter rice as a side dish by leaving out the chicken or adding vegetables instead.
4. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, but the texture is better in the oven. In a slow cooker, cook on low for 4–5 hours.
5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
6. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, swap butter for dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter or olive oil.
7. How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
Stick of butter rice with chicken is one of those dishes that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something delicious. It’s comforting, affordable, and always a hit at the dinner table. Once you try it, I promise you’ll find yourself making it again and again.