Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re in for a treat with this Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice recipe. This dish is not just easy to prepare but also bursting with buttery goodness, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful rice creates a cozy atmosphere that brings everyone together around the dinner table.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that your loved ones will rave about. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that gets better as leftovers, making it an ideal choice for meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: You can whip this up in no time! Just mix and layer before popping it in the oven.
• Family Favorite: Rich flavors appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it in advance and have an easy dinner ready to bake when you need it.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for some simple, wholesome ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. It’s all about creating a delicious dish without the fuss!

For the Main Dish

• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice (not instant rice)
• 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
• 10.5 ounce can cream of celery soup (or cream of mushroom, if preferred)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into large chunks)
• 5 tablespoons salted butter (thinly sliced)

Optional Garnish

• Chopped parsley or paprika

Variations

This Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
• Veggie boost: Add vegetables like peas or carrots to the rice mixture for extra nutrition and color.
• Different flavors: Experiment with different seasonings or soups based on what you have on hand!
• Vegan twist: Substitute chicken with plant-based protein and use vegan cream soups for a delicious vegetarian version.

How to Make Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures that everything cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the rice, both soups, chicken broth, and Montreal steak seasoning until well combined. Pour this creamy goodness into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This step is crucial because it forms the base where all those fantastic flavors meld together during baking.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Nestle those large chunks of chicken on top of the rice mixture. There’s no need to stir; we want the rice to soak up all that buttery flavor as it bakes. This helps keep everything moist while allowing each ingredient to shine through.

Step 4: Top with Butter

Place thinly sliced butter evenly over the top of the casserole. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some paprika on top for an extra pop of color! Cover tightly with foil—this traps steam and keeps everything juicy as it cooks.

Step 5: Bake Away!

Pop your covered dish into the oven and bake for 55 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the rice is tender. The smell will be amazing!

Step 6: Let It Rest

Once out of the oven (and don’t worry about any butter pooling at the top!), let your casserole sit lightly covered with foil for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows all those delicious flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 7: Optional Broiling

For an extra crispy top, pop your dish under the broiler for just a couple more minutes until golden brown. If using fresh parsley as garnish, sprinkle it on just before serving for that beautiful finishing touch.

Enjoy digging into this delightful Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice—it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!

Pro Tips for Making Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice

Creating the perfect Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice is all about attention to detail—here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time!

• Use Long Grain White Rice: This type of rice cooks beautifully and absorbs the flavors, creating a fluffy texture that complements the buttery chicken.
• Don’t Skip the Foil Cover: Covering the dish tightly with foil helps trap steam, ensuring that both the chicken and rice cook evenly without drying out.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking lets the butter absorb into the rice and chicken, enhancing the flavor and moisture.
• Consider Broiling for a Crispy Top: A quick broil at the end can give your dish a delightful golden crust that adds texture—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
• Experiment with Seasonings: While Montreal steak seasoning works wonders, feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or spices for unique flavor profiles.

How to Serve Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice

This hearty dish not only satisfies hunger but also looks inviting on any dinner table. Here are some ideas to present it beautifully while enhancing its flavors!

Garnishes

• Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that brightens up the rich flavors.
• Paprika: A sprinkle of paprika not only enhances visual appeal but also contributes a mild smokiness that pairs well with the buttery goodness.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Broccoli: Simple and nutritious, steamed broccoli provides a nice crunch and a fresh contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and makes for a comforting side.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the main dish, adding brightness and crunch.
• Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring natural sweetness that complements savory elements in your meal while adding vibrant color.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice will be not only delicious but also visually appealing! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice is a fantastic option for meal prep! It stores well, making it easy to enjoy this delicious dish throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the dish into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring periodically until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but be aware that it will require additional cooking time. Ensure you adjust the liquid ratio accordingly as brown rice typically needs more liquid.

How do I know when the chicken is done in my Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken pieces.

Can I make Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice with different types of chicken?

Absolutely! You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference. Just remember to cut them into large chunks for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this comforting Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share how it turns out—I’d love to hear from you!