Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, the Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe is just what you need. This dish is delightfully rich and buttery, with tender chicken nestled atop a creamy, flavorful bed of rice and savory soups. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for a family dinner, and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that promises comfort with every bite. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to meals when you want something simple, satisfying, and downright delicious.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of the Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe. Each item plays its part — from adding creamy richness to bringing bold seasoning and tender textures.

• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: This base grain cooks tender and fluffy, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup: Brings smooth, comforting creaminess with rich chicken flavor.
• 10.5-ounce can cream of celery or mushroom soup: Adds subtle depth and enhances the dish’s complexity.
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses savory notes throughout the bake.
• 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning: A punchy, aromatic seasoning that gives this casserole a mouthwatering kick.
• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks: Tender proteins that bake perfectly without drying out.
• 5 tablespoons salted butter, thinly sliced: The star ingredient that melts into everything for that glorious buttery finish.
• Optional garnish — chopped parsley or paprika: Adds a fresh pop of color and subtle flavor boost when serving.

How to Make Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Grease Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your sticky, buttery casserole won’t cling to the dish and lets you focus on the fun part: layering all those delicious ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Rice and Creamy Soups

In a large bowl, whisk together the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery (or mushroom), chicken broth, and Montreal steak seasoning. This creates a rich, seasoned base that will cook alongside the rice, infusing it with lovely flavors and a luxurious texture.

Step 3: Pour and Spread

Pour the creamy rice mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Spreading it out nicely ensures even cooking and that every bite has the perfect balance of rice and sauce.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Next, nestle your chunks of chicken on top of the rice mixture. The chicken will bake right in this luscious base, keeping it juicy and tender, while absorbing all those incredible buttery and savory notes.

Step 5: Top with Butter and Seasoning

Distribute the thin slices of butter evenly over the chicken and rice. Don’t stir—let the butter melt into the dish as it bakes. Sprinkle paprika on top for a touch of color and mild warmth if you’re using it.

Step 6: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 55 minutes. This slow, moist heat gently cooks the rice and chicken, while the butter slowly melts into every bite, making the dish incredibly rich and satisfying.

Step 7: Finish Baking Uncovered

Carefully remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the rice is tender. This step lets the top finish cooking with a delightful texture.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the dish sit lightly covered for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the butter to absorb fully into the chicken and rice, deepening the flavor and making every spoonful melt-in-your-mouth perfect.

How to Serve Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of paprika offers a lovely burst of color and fresh flavor, brightening the dish visually and in taste. Garnishes turn this simple bake into a dish that feels special and inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal. The light freshness of greens complements the buttery richness, making every bite more dynamic and enjoyable.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in ramekins for a charming presentation, or add a drizzle of tangy yogurt sauce or hot sauce on the side for a fun contrast of flavors. This recipe’s comforting nature makes it versatile and perfect for casual or more elegant dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making leftovers just as delicious.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. Freeze portions in individual airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Adding a small splash of broth can help revive the creamy texture during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs liquid differently, so it’s not recommended for this recipe without adjusting cooking time and liquid amounts. Stick with long grain white rice for best results.

What cut of chicken works best?

Both boneless skinless chicken thighs and breasts work well, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful after baking.

Is it okay to substitute the soups with homemade versions?

Absolutely! Homemade creamy chicken and celery soups will enhance freshness, but be mindful of adjusting seasoning and thickness to match canned versions.

Can I add vegetables to the bake?

Yes, adding diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers can add color and nutrition. Just toss them into the rice mixture before baking to ensure they cook evenly.

Why is the butter so important?

The butter melts slowly during baking, enriching the rice and chicken with rich moisture and flavor, making the dish irresistibly creamy and indulgent.

Final Thoughts

The Stick of Butter Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe is a fantastic meal that delivers so much comfort with very little fuss. Its blend of buttery richness, tender chicken, and creamy rice makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Give it a try—it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, perfect for cozy nights in and sharing with people you love.

Print