Name: Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice; 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup; 10.5 ounces cream of celery soup; 1.5 cups chicken broth; 1 to 1.5 teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning; 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into large chunks); 5 tablespoons salted butter (thinly sliced)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that practically cooks itself, the Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice is just what you need. This recipe is a family favorite in our home, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to serve something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Just layer everything in one dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen! The rich, buttery flavor combined with tender chicken and fluffy rice makes it a dish that everyone will love.

Whether it’s a cozy dinner with your loved ones or a gathering with friends, this dish fits right in. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy—making it a go-to recipe for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple Prep: Just mix, layer, and bake! This recipe takes minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.
Family-Friendly Flavor: The rich taste of butter and creamy soups make this dish appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it ahead of time, then simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Comforting and Satisfying: The buttery goodness coats the rice perfectly, making each bite feel like a warm hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice are simple yet wholesome. These are staples that come together beautifully to create a deliciously satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the 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

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations:

Swap the protein: Use boneless skinless turkey thighs or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Change up the flavors: Try adding different seasonings like garlic powder or Italian herbs for an extra flavor boost.
Go gluten-free: Opt for gluten-free cream soups to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Add veggies: Toss in some frozen peas or chopped spinach before baking for added nutrition and color.

How to Make Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage for cooking your dish evenly while keeping everything from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the uncooked rice, both soups, chicken broth, and Montreal steak seasoning. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. This step is crucial as it creates a flavorful base that will soak up all that buttery goodness as it bakes.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Nestle your chunks of chicken on top of the rice mixture; they should be sitting pretty right on that creamy layer. By placing them on top rather than mixing them in, you allow them to steam beautifully while keeping their juices intact.

Step 4: Top with Butter

Arrange thin slices of butter over everything—don’t stir! Cover tightly with foil and bake for about 55 minutes. This step infuses all those delicious buttery flavors throughout your dish while keeping everything moist.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

After removing the foil, bake an additional 10-15 minutes until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the rice is tender. Letting it sit lightly covered with foil afterward allows all those lovely flavors to meld together perfectly before serving.

Step 6: Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional)

For that golden-brown finish, pop it under the broiler for just a few minutes—just keep an eye on it! A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes for a lovely garnish before digging in.

Pro Tips for Making Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice

To ensure your Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind!

Use quality chicken broth: Opting for a good-quality chicken broth enhances the overall flavor of the dish, making it richer and more satisfying.
Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the dish sit for 10 minutes after baking allows the butter to absorb into the rice and chicken, resulting in a creamier texture.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to tweak the Montreal steak seasoning according to your personal preference; adding more or less can customize the flavor profile to suit your family’s taste.
Cover tightly with foil: This helps trap steam during baking, ensuring that both the chicken and rice cook evenly and remain moist.
Experiment with different soups: Try using different varieties of cream soups (like cream of mushroom) for a unique twist on flavor while still maintaining that creamy texture.

How to Serve Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice

Serving your Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice with a few thoughtful touches can elevate the dining experience. Consider these ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully!

Garnishes

Chopped parsley: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that brightens up the dish.
Paprika sprinkle: A light dusting of paprika not only adds visual appeal but also complements the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Steamed broccoli: This vibrant green vegetable offers a fresh crunch and balances out the richness of the butter chicken.
Garlic naan: Perfect for scooping up that creamy goodness, garlic naan adds a delightful touch to your meal.
Roasted carrots: Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with savory flavors, making them an excellent side option.
Simple garden salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week without compromising on flavor.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Cool the dish completely before freezing.
Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it moist.
Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice that may help you as you prepare this delightful dish!

Can I use different types of chicken for Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice?

Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even diced turkey. Just ensure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

How long does it take to make Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice?

The total time for this recipe is about 95 minutes, which includes both prep and cooking time. It’s an easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal!

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

While it’s possible to use brown rice, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts since brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.

What can I serve with Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice?

This dish is complete on its own but pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice! It’s a comforting dish that brings together rich flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, I encourage you to give it a try and share it with your loved ones. Enjoy every buttery bite!