Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice Recipe – Quick & Creamy Dinner

Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice is that warm, cozy, no-fuss dinner you whip up when life gets busy but your belly craves something homemade. It’s rich, creamy, and downright comforting—the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with that “Mom’s cooking” aroma that makes everyone drift toward the oven.

With simple ingredients and almost zero prep, this baked chicken and rice casserole has all the flavor of a Sunday supper without the work. The magic happens in the oven—while you kick back, it quietly transforms into a buttery, golden masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to an easy weeknight win, this Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice recipe will never let you down.

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What is Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice?

At its heart, Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice is a comforting baked casserole that combines tender chunks of chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce that practically melts in your mouth. It’s an all-in-one meal that feels indulgent but comes together with pantry staples like canned soup, chicken broth, and—of course—a few glorious tablespoons of butter.

It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t try too hard but still manages to impress everyone at the table. Born from the idea that easy food can still taste like love, this recipe has become a beloved classic in many Southern kitchens. Think of it as the cozy cousin of your favorite potluck casseroles, but simpler and even more delicious.

Reasons to Try Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice

First off, it’s practically foolproof. No fancy kitchen skills, no juggling pans, and no stress—just mix, bake, and enjoy. If your weeknights are usually a blur of “what’s for dinner?” moments, this dish will save your sanity. Secondly, it’s ridiculously versatile: you can swap chicken thighs for breasts, cream of celery for cream of mushroom, or even throw in veggies like peas or carrots if you want to sneak in something green.

Lastly, Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice has that irresistible, old-fashioned flavor that makes everyone go back for seconds. The buttery top crisps just enough, the rice absorbs all that savory richness, and the chicken turns tender and juicy every single time. It’s pure comfort—simple, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying.

Ingredients Needed to Make Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice

• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice (not instant rice)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery or mushroom soup
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 1–1½ teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into large chunks)
• 5 tablespoons salted butter, thinly sliced
• Optional: chopped parsley or paprika for garnish

Instructions to Make Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice – Step by Step

This Step by Step guide will walk you through exactly how to make Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice, from prepping your dish to pulling that golden, bubbly casserole out of the oven. It’s easy, cozy, and filled with buttery goodness—the kind of meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings or busy weeknights when you just need something that practically cooks itself.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Dish

Before anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with a bit of butter or non-stick spray. This small Step helps your rice and chicken cook evenly without sticking to the bottom (because no one likes scrubbing pans after dinner). A glass or ceramic dish works best—it holds heat beautifully and gives that perfect bake.

If you love dishes that require almost no effort but deliver huge payoff, you might also enjoy my Simple Roasted Chicken Pieces—it’s another hands-off oven dinner that’s big on flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

Now comes the heart of this Step by Step process: the creamy rice base. In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice (not instant)
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 can of cream of celery (or mushroom, if you prefer a deeper flavor)
• 1½ cups of chicken broth
• 1 to 1½ teaspoons of Montreal steak seasoning

Whisk it all together until smooth and well-blended. You’ll notice the mixture looks loose—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want. The rice will soak up all that savory liquid while baking, transforming into creamy perfection.

Pro Tip: If you’re trying to cut back on sodium or want a lighter version, use low-sodium broth and soups. You can find more easy swaps like this in my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs recipe—it’s another rich but customizable favorite.

Step 3: Spread and Set the Base

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it evenly so the rice cooks uniformly. This Step sets the stage for your buttery masterpiece. If you’re someone who likes a little texture, you can even sprinkle in frozen peas or diced carrots here—they’ll cook perfectly along with the rice.

This creamy layer will become the base of your Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice, creating that irresistible blend of buttery rice and tender chicken.

Step 4: Add the Chicken Pieces

Now it’s time to layer in the protein. Place your chunks of chicken (breasts or thighs—your choice) evenly on top of the rice mixture. There’s no need to stir; just “nestle” them gently into the sauce. This placement helps the chicken absorb all those rich, savory flavors while keeping it juicy.

If you’re in the mood to try another easy chicken bake after this one, check out my Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs—it’s got that same comfort-food energy with a golden sear that’s simply mouthwatering.

Step 5: Add the Butter – The Star Ingredient

Here’s where the “Stick of Butter” part comes in. Slice 5 tablespoons of salted butter into thin pats and arrange them evenly across the top of the dish. Don’t be tempted to mix—just lay them right on top like a buttery blanket. As it bakes, that butter will melt slowly, seeping into every grain of rice and coating the chicken with luscious flavor.

Want to take it up a notch? Sprinkle a pinch of paprika for color or garlic powder for an extra savory twist. It’s these small Step by Step additions that make home-cooked meals truly special.

Step 6: Cover and Bake

Cover your dish tightly with foil—this traps steam and helps the rice cook to tender perfection. Place it in the oven and bake for 55 minutes. During this time, your kitchen will start to smell absolutely divine—creamy, buttery, and downright comforting.

This is your chance to relax. Maybe toss together a quick salad or check out my Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites for another easy weeknight win.

Step 7: Uncover and Finish Baking

After the first 55 minutes, remove the foil and pop the dish back in for another 10–15 minutes. This Step helps the top brown slightly and lets any excess moisture evaporate, giving you that dreamy, buttery finish. Check to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F internally and that the rice is soft and fluffy.

If the top looks pale, don’t panic—just move to the next Step for a golden touch.

Step 8: Let It Rest (Patience Pays Off!)

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven, cover it loosely with foil again, and let it rest for 10 minutes. This final Step allows the butter and sauce to absorb fully into the rice and chicken. Think of it as letting the flavors settle and hug each other—it’s the secret to that creamy, cohesive texture that makes every bite heavenly.

Step 9: Optional Broil for Crispy Perfection

For those who like a slightly crisp, golden top, slide your casserole under the broiler for 2–3 minutes. Keep an eye on it—it browns quickly. This Step isn’t essential, but it adds an amazing buttery crunch that makes the dish restaurant-worthy.

If you love this kind of finishing touch, you might also enjoy my Parmesan Salmon Bake—it uses a similar broiling Step for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of paprika before serving. The green adds color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the butter and cream.

Serve your Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice straight from the oven with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad. Or, if you’re going full comfort mode, try it with a warm roll and a spoonful of Crack Chicken Noodle Soup on the side—it’s a match made in cozy heaven.

What to Serve with Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice

This dish pairs beautifully with something fresh and light. Try serving it with a crisp garden salad or a side of steamed broccoli to balance out the richness. If you want to stay in comfort food territory, buttery dinner rolls or homemade cornbread are a perfect match. For a little tang, a simple cucumber salad can help cut through the creaminess beautifully.

Key Tips for Making Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice

1. Use long-grain rice—short grain or instant rice can turn mushy.
2. Don’t skip the resting step; it lets the flavors meld perfectly.
3. If you prefer less butter, reduce it to 4 tablespoons—it’ll still taste rich.
4. Want more flavor? Add a dash of garlic powder or onion powder to the mixture.
5. Montreal steak seasoning gives it a savory kick, but Cajun or Italian seasoning also works.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth before microwaving to keep the rice moist. You can also reheat it in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes. It freezes well too—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat the next day for an easy meal that tastes just as delicious as day one.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice? It’s possible, but you’ll need to increase the broth and baking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Can I use canned chicken? It’s better to use fresh chicken for the best texture, but in a pinch, canned will do.
What soups work best? Cream of chicken is the classic, but cream of celery or mushroom adds a savory twist.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely—assemble everything up to the butter layer, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice has become such a beloved family favorite. It’s quick, hearty, and delicious—everything you want in a home-cooked meal without the extra effort. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a casual Sunday dinner, this recipe is pure comfort in every bite. Try pairing it with Easy Garlic Green Beans for a simple, nourishing meal.

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