A luxurious comfort food classic that combines tender, ranch-seasoned chicken with indulgent parmesan rice – this Stick-of-Butter Chicken recipe has become a viral sensation for good reason. This crowd-pleasing dinner transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs/900g)
- 1 stick unsalted butter (113g/4 oz/½ cup)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (1 oz/28g)
- 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Parmesan Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (200g)
- 2 cups chicken broth (480ml)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240ml) or whole milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (14g)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken:
- Position your oven rack in the middle and preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure better seasoning adhesion.
- In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with the spice mixture.
- Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat and melt the stick of butter.
- Once butter is melted and bubbling, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
- Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Baking the Chicken:
- Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil.
- Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Preparing the Creamy Rice:
- While chicken bakes, rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings.
- Bring mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add rice and stir once to combine.
- Reduce heat to low, cover with tight-fitting lid.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese and additional butter.
- Let stand covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 680
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fiber: 1g
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Temperature Matters: Bring chicken to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking for even cooking.
- Perfect Rice: Don’t skip rinsing the rice – it prevents clumping and ensures creamy texture.
- Butter Technique: Tilt the pan while searing to spoon melted butter over the chicken continuously.
- Rest Period: Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Variations and Substitutions
- Lighter Version:
- Use milk instead of heavy cream
- Replace some butter with olive oil
- Use reduced-fat ranch seasoning
- Flavor Variations:
- Italian: Add Italian seasoning and sun-dried tomatoes
- Mushroom: Add sautéed mushrooms and use mushroom broth
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
- Rice Alternatives:
- Cauliflower rice for low-carb option
- Brown rice (adjust cooking time to 45 minutes)
- Quinoa for higher protein content
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs work great, but increase cooking time by 10-15 minutes and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare components separately. Rice can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated with additional liquid. Chicken is best prepared fresh.
Why is my rice not creamy enough?
Ensure you’re using the correct liquid-to-rice ratio and avoid lifting the lid during cooking. Adding extra Parmesan and a splash of cream when reheating can restore creaminess.
Can I freeze this dish?
The chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Rice texture may change when frozen, so it’s best prepared fresh.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Store any extra butter sauce in a separate container.
Reheating:
- Chicken: Reheat in 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Rice: Add 2-3 tablespoons liquid per cup of rice when reheating on stovetop or microwave.
Make-Ahead:
- Season chicken up to 24 hours in advance
- Prepare spice mixture up to 1 month ahead
- Measure and combine dry ingredients for rice
- Grate cheese in advance and store in refrigerator
This indulgent comfort food classic brings together tender, flavorful chicken and creamy, cheesy rice for a memorable family dinner. With proper preparation and attention to detail, you’ll create a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.