Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bowls with Jalapeño Cheddar Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp black pepper; Salt, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish); 1 cup long grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tbsp butter; 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat); ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste

Introduction

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors, cheesy comfort, and a hint of heat? Say hello to Garlic Butter Chicken Bowls with Jalapeño Cheddar Rice. This easy yet mouthwatering recipe brings together tender chicken smothered in garlic butter and smoky spices, served over creamy, cheesy jalapeño rice. It’s a dish that satisfies all your cravings in just one bowl!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with bold and comforting flavors
Easy to make in under 45 minutes
Customizable for spice level and cheese preferences
Ideal for meal prep or a cozy family dinner
Kid-friendly (just tweak the spice!)

Ingredients Overview

Let’s break down the main players in this flavorful symphony.

Garlic Butter Chicken Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons unsalted butter – the base of the garlic sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better
1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for smoky depth
1/2 teaspoon onion powder – adds subtle flavor
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for mild heat
Salt to taste – flavor booster
1 tablespoon olive oil – helps with browning
1 tablespoon chopped parsley – garnish for color and freshness

Jalapeño Cheddar Rice Ingredients

1 cup long grain white rice – fluffy and neutral
2 cups chicken broth – infuses flavor into the rice
1 tablespoon butter – for richness
1 small jalapeño, finely diced – remove seeds for milder heat
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – more savory flavor
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – melty and delicious
Salt and pepper to taste

What Makes This Dish Special?

The magic lies in the perfect contrast of textures and flavors: the buttery, garlicky chicken is juicy and rich, while the rice is creamy with just a little spicy kick and cheddar tang. It’s a meal that feels gourmet without needing a culinary degree.

Choosing the Right Chicken Cut

Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender even after pan-searing. But if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work too—just don’t overcook them.

Tip: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bowls with Jalapeño Cheddar Rice

The Power of Garlic and Butter

Garlic and butter form the flavor backbone of the chicken. Garlic caramelizes slightly as it cooks, bringing a deep, savory sweetness, while the butter adds a silky richness that coats every piece of chicken beautifully.

Spice It Up with Jalapeños

Fresh jalapeños give the rice a kick that balances the buttery chicken. You can control the heat by removing the seeds or using only half the pepper. Want it hotter? Leave the seeds in or use two jalapeños!

Cheddar Cheese – The Creamy Game-Changer

Sharp cheddar adds that cheesy comfort we all crave. When stirred into hot rice, it melts and becomes creamy, blending beautifully with the heat of the jalapeño.

Rice Cooking Tips for Perfect Texture

Always rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch
Use a tight-fitting lid and don’t lift it while cooking
Let the rice rest after cooking for 5–10 minutes before fluffing with a fork

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Season the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and a generous pinch of salt.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes until fully cooked.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat and add 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
Toss the Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan (if you removed it) and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Cook for another minute.
Garnish:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Rice

Sauté Jalapeños:
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add diced jalapeño and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add Rice & Garlic Powder:
Stir in the rice and garlic powder. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast slightly.
Add Broth & Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
Add Cheese:
Once rice is done, remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bowls

Scoop a generous serving of jalapeño cheddar rice into a bowl, top with garlic butter chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley. For extra flair, squeeze a little lime over the top or sprinkle with green onions.

Serving Suggestions:

Add roasted veggies like broccoli or bell peppers
Top with avocado slices for creaminess
Pair with a side salad for balance

Customization Tips & Swaps

Make it low-carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice (cheddar still works!)
Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale at the end of rice cooking
Swap the cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend
Make it creamier: Add a splash of cream or sour cream to the rice

Meal Prep and Storage

This dish is perfect for meal prepping. It stores and reheats beautifully!

To Store:
Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:
Microwave with a splash of water to keep the rice from drying out.

To Freeze:
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Nutrition Highlights

While exact nutrition will vary, here’s a rough estimate per serving:

Calories: ~520
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 1-2g
Calcium: From cheddar cheese

It’s a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and healthy fats.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bowls with Jalapeño Cheddar Rice is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cheesy and spicy, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Go ahead—grab a spoon and dive in!

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cheddar-style shreds. The flavor will still be amazing.

2. How do I reduce the spice level?

Remove all seeds from the jalapeño or use only half. You can also skip the jalapeño and stir in some mild green chilies instead.

3. Can I use brown rice?

Sure! Just adjust the liquid ratio and cooking time accordingly—brown rice typically needs more liquid and time.

4. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

Microwave on medium heat with a splash of water for 1–2 minutes. Stir halfway for even heating.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, spinach, or even zucchini would all pair wonderfully with the flavors in this bowl.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bowls with Jalapeño Cheddar Rice

Author: Freya Allen
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious garlic butter chicken served over spicy jalapeño cheddar rice — a quick and flavorful meal perfect for any night.

Instructions

Cook rice in chicken broth with jalapeño and garlic powder. Sauté chicken in butter and olive oil with garlic and spices until cooked. Stir cheddar cheese into rice. Serve chicken over cheesy jalapeño rice and garnish with parsley.