Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Rice Bake
There’s something deeply comforting about a dish that comes out of the oven bubbling, golden, and smelling like garlic and butter. This Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Rice Bake is exactly that kind of meal — the kind you make on a quiet evening when you want the house to feel warm and full of good things.
The chicken turns beautifully crispy on top, while underneath, the rice soaks up all that rich, savory broth and buttery garlic flavor. Every spoonful feels hearty and satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a casual Sunday meal, or even when you just need something reliable and delicious after a long day. And the best part? It all bakes together in one dish.
Let’s make something that smells amazing and tastes even better.
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Season the chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy — this is where the flavor begins.
3. Sear for that golden crust
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down. You should hear that satisfying sizzle right away.
Let them cook for about 4–5 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet — the oven will finish the job.
4. Make the garlic butter
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and minced garlic. The smell alone will make you hungry.
5. Build the rice base
Spread the uncooked rice evenly in your prepared baking dish. Pour the chicken broth over it. Stir in the frozen peas for little pops of sweetness and color.
Drizzle half of the garlic butter mixture over the rice and gently stir to distribute it.
6. Add the chicken
Place the seared chicken thighs right on top of the rice. Brush the remaining garlic butter generously over each piece.
7. Bake to perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 35–40 minutes.
Then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender. The top should look golden and irresistible.
8. Finish and rest
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the top. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives everything time to settle and soak up those juices.
When serving, be sure to spoon plenty of that buttery rice onto each plate. That’s where so much flavor hides.
Presentation
For a beautiful finish, serve the chicken right from the baking dish at the table — it has that rustic, cozy charm. Sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top for brightness. If you want to dress it up, add a light squeeze of lemon over the chicken just before serving. The fresh citrus lifts the buttery richness perfectly.
Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, comforting meal.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
🔥 Kcal: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
🍽️ Servings: 6 servings
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Rice Bake is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite. The crispy chicken, the tender garlic-infused rice, the little bursts of peas — it all comes together in the most comforting way.
If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and easy to love, this is it. Give it a try soon — your kitchen will smell incredible, and everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.