If your dinner routine needs a break from the complicated and a boost of cozy, this Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice is just what you need. It's creamy, flavorful, and comes together with minimal prep!
No browning, no stirring, just toss it in a pan and let the oven do the work. With juicy chicken, tender rice, and a buttery, savory sauce that practically makes itself, this is comfort food made easy.
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What makes this recipe irresistible
This is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes. It's a true dump-and-bake dinner. No precooking, no complicated steps. Just mix, layer, and let the oven do its thing!
It uses everyday pantry ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option that's easy to pull together anytime. The creamy chicken and rice combo is always a hit, even with picky eaters. Bonus? It reheats like a dream, so the leftovers are just as tasty the next day!!
No browning, no stirring, just toss it in a pan and let the oven do the work. With juicy chicken, tender rice, and a buttery, savory sauce that practically makes itself, this is comfort food made easy.
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card below for the exact measurements for this recipe.
Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- 1 9x13 baking dish
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the rice, both soups, water (or broth), and Montreal steak seasoning. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Nestle the chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.
- Place butter slices evenly over the top. Sprinkle with paprika (optional). Don't stir! Cover tightly with foil and bake for 55 minutes.
- Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F) and rice is tender.
- Remove from the oven (there will butter on the top of the casserole, that's ok!) and let sit 10 minutes lightly covered with foil before serving. While it's resting the butter will absorb into the rice and chicken.
- Optional: Before serving return the oven under the broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the top of the casserole is golden brown. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
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Nutrition
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Yes! You can assemble the dish earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate. Just let it sit at room temp for 20-30 minutes before baking, or add extra baking time if it's going in the oven cold.
Every oven is different. If your rice isn't quite tender after the full baking time, cover it back up with foil and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes.
For the best texture and results, stick with long grain white rice. It holds up beautifully during baking, soaking in the buttery sauce without getting watering, mushy or clumping together. Other types-like jasmine, basmati, or instant rice-can throw off the liquid ratio and change the texture of the dish.
Deb's top tips
Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to seal the casserole dish. If you don't havy heavy duty, use two layers of foil. This will help ensure you get a good seal and helps trap steam so the rice cooks evenly.
- Use long grain white rice-not instant, not jasmine, or short grain.
Related recipes
If you're in the mood for more easy baked chicken dinners, give these reader favorites a try.
If you love simple baked chicken dinners like this one, my Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole is another creamy favorite that's just as easy to make. It's a cozy, family-approved meal that comes together fast. Another great meal for busy nights when you still want something homemade!
Catalina Cranberry Chicken is a tangy-sweet dish made with just five simple ingredients-quick to prep and big on flavor. Creamy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a cozy, comforting option that's packed with savory goodness.
And if you're craving something buttery and crunchy, Ritz Cracker Chicken Bake is always a hit with its golden topping and simple prep. And if you're craving more easy dinners like this, check out my full collection of chicken casseroles!
Serving suggestions
This Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice is a full meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies on the side.
Roasted broccoli or steamed green beans add a pop of color and freshness, while a slice of garlic bread or dinner roll is perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. It's the kind of comforting dinner that goes great with just about anything!
Wrapping it up
If you're looking for a no-fuss dinner that delivers big on comfort and flavor, Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice is the answer. It's the kind of meal you can count on-whether it's a busy weeknight or you just want something warm and filling without making a mess in the kitchen.
Give it a try this week, and don't forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out. I'd love to hear if your family loved it as much as mine does!
Sue says
Needs more rice, it was soupy. Flavor is great.
Debra Clark says
Did you use long grain rice Sue and just as importantly, let it sit for 10 minutes covered? The butter will soak into the rice. But either way, I appreciate your comment and will add an FAQ emphasizing the type of rice to use. Thanks for supporting the website Sue!