One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mozzarella Rice -

One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mozzarella Rice

Juicy seasoned chicken, buttery garlic, tender rice, and melted mozzarella come together in one skillet for a rich, creamy dinner that's easy enough for busy weeknights.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Method: One-Pan / Skillet

Ingredients

1½–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

1½ cups long-grain white rice

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

5–6 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups chicken broth

½ cup heavy cream

1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Season the chicken: Toss the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Cook the chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Sauté the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Toast the rice: Add the uncooked rice and stir for 1–2 minutes, coating it thoroughly in the garlic butter.

Cook the rice: Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Make it creamy: Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan until the cheese melts and the rice becomes creamy.

Finish the dish: Return the chicken and its juices to the skillet. Gently stir everything together and heat until warmed through.

Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra mozzarella or Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts.

Add broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra vegetables.

For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.

If the rice becomes too thick, stir in a splash of warm chicken broth or cream.

Freshly shredded mozzarella generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat with a splash of broth, milk, or cream to bring back the creamy texture.