Pickle Fix Herb Butter Chicken (Print Version)

Tender chicken and fragrant rice topped with vibrant Pickle Fix herb butter for a unique, flavorful one-pan dinner.

# Components:

→ For the Chicken and Rice

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into large chunks
02 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
03 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup frozen peas and diced carrots blend
07 - 2 tbsp olive oil
08 - 1 tsp kosher salt
09 - 0.5 tsp black pepper
10 - 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 0.5 tsp dried thyme

→ For the Pickle Fix Herb Butter

12 - 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 2 tbsp pickle brine
14 - 1 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles
15 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
16 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
17 - 1 tsp lemon juice
18 - 0.25 tsp garlic powder
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Method:

01 - In a small bowl, combine softened butter, pickle brine, chopped pickles, dill, parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and brown on both sides (approximately 3–4 minutes per side). Remove chicken and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
05 - Stir in the rinsed rice and toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze, incorporating any browned bits.
06 - Add the frozen peas and carrots, stirring to combine. Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the rice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
07 - Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
08 - Remove the skillet from heat. Dollop the prepared Pickle Fix herb butter over the hot chicken and rice. Cover again and let rest for 2–3 minutes to allow the butter to melt. Gently swirl the melted butter through the dish before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in less than an hour for busy weeknights
  • Budget friendly using pantry staples and affordable proteins
  • One skillet means minimal cleanup after dinner
  • The pickle herb butter creates a uniquely delicious flavor profile that guests will ask about
02 -
  • Each serving contains 34g of protein making this a satisfying and nutritious meal
  • The entire dish costs under $15 to prepare for a family of four
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop
03 -
  • Allow butter to soften completely at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before making the herb butter for the smoothest incorporation of ingredients The compound butter can be made days ahead and refrigerated just bring to room temperature before using
  • For maximum flavor development dont rush the browning process for the chicken Those caramelized bits on the bottom of the pan create the foundation of flavor for the entire dish
  • If your skillet doesnt have a tight-fitting lid cover with aluminum foil first then place the lid on top to create a better seal that traps moisture during the rice cooking process