Stick of Butter Chicken & Rice (Easy One-Pan!)
Stick of Butter Chicken & Rice (Easy One-Pan!) is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Allrecipes on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 5 min | Total: 1 hr 40 min
Cost: $18.15 total, $4.54 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups White Rice (long‑grain or jasmine, rinsed)
- 8 oz Mushrooms (sliced; any variety)
- 2 cans Beef Consomme (10.5 oz each, low‑sodium if possible)
- 1 can French Onion Soup (10.5 oz, condensed)
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter (cut into 2‑tablespoon pieces, room temperature)
- 0.5 cup Pecorino Romano (freshly grated)
- 2 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (cut into 1‑inch cubes)
- 1 tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Additional Pecorino Romano (grated, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it fully preheat while you assemble the casserole.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Combine Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed white rice, sliced mushrooms, both cans of beef consomme, and the can of French onion soup. Stir until evenly mixed.
Time: PT5M
Add Butter and Cheese
Add half of the butter stick (cut into pieces) and ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano to the rice mixture. Stir until the butter is melted and the cheese is evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Season the Chicken
In a separate small bowl, toss the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Ensure every piece is coated.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Casserole
Spread the rice‑mushroom mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top in a single layer. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Pecorino Romano over the chicken.
Time: PT5M
Cover and Bake (First Phase)
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 350°F
Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15‑20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the top is golden brown.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 350°F
Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and add the remaining half‑stick of butter in small pats to melt into the hot dish. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 32 g
- Carbohydrates
- 55 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Gluten‑free if using gluten‑free soup
Allergens: Dairy, Milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of White Rice: Basmati rice, Brown rice
- Instead of Mushrooms: Frozen sliced mushrooms
- Instead of Beef Consomme: Beef broth, Chicken consomme
- Instead of French Onion Soup: Caramelized onion soup mix, Onion gravy
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive oil (for cooking)
- Instead of Pecorino Romano: Parmesan, Grana Padano
- Instead of Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Chicken thighs, Turkey breast
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Onion Powder: Finely minced onion (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Paprika: Cayenne pepper (use less)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Cilantro, Chives
- Instead of Additional Pecorino Romano: Parmesan
Equipment Needed
- 9x13‑inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Grater
- Aluminum Foil
- Oven
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season the chicken thoroughly before placing it on the rice.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil for the first 45 minutes to steam the rice.
- Uncover for the final bake to develop a golden crust and ensure liquid absorption.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mix of button and cremini mushrooms for deeper flavor.
- For extra richness, substitute half of the butter with ghee.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
Troubleshooting
Rice is too dry after baking.
Add ½‑1 cup of hot water or extra broth, stir gently, and bake uncovered for another 5‑10 minutes.
Casserole is watery.
Uncover and bake for an additional 10‑15 minutes, or let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
Chicken is not fully cooked.
Increase the uncovered baking time by 5‑10 minutes and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Portion into freezer‑safe containers; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to the point of covering with foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze the uncooked, covered casserole for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding 10‑15 minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of butter chicken in Indian cuisine?
Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, originated in Delhi in the 1950s as a way to use leftover tandoori chicken, simmered in a tomato‑butter sauce. It quickly became a beloved comfort dish across India and the world, celebrated for its creamy, mildly spiced flavor.
How does this butter chicken casserole differ from traditional Indian butter chicken?
The casserole blends classic butter chicken spices with a baked rice and mushroom base, using beef consomme and French onion soup for depth. Unlike the stovetop sauce, the flavors meld during a long bake, creating a one‑dish comfort meal rather than a separate curry and rice.
What regional variations of butter chicken exist in Indian cuisine?
Regional twists include adding cashew paste in the north, coconut milk in the south, or using mustard oil in Bengal. Some versions swap chicken for paneer or lamb, and the heat level can vary from mild to very spicy depending on local taste.
What occasions or celebrations is butter chicken traditionally associated with in Indian culture?
Butter chicken is a popular dish for family gatherings, festivals like Diwali, and restaurant menus because it appeals to a wide range of palates. Its rich, comforting profile makes it a go‑to for celebrations and weekend meals.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional butter chicken versus acceptable substitutes in this casserole?
Authentic butter chicken relies on tandoori‑spiced chicken, tomato puree, butter, cream, and garam masala. In this casserole, we substitute cream with cheese and use beef consomme and French onion soup for richness; you can replace pecorino with Parmesan or use chicken broth instead of beef consomme.
What other American comfort dishes pair well with this butter chicken casserole?
Serve the casserole alongside a simple green salad, garlic‑bread, or roasted vegetables. A side of buttery corn on the cob or a crisp cucumber raita adds freshness to balance the richness.
How has butter chicken evolved over time in modern American cooking?
In the U.S., butter chicken has been adapted into baked casseroles, pizza toppings, and even tacos. Chefs often incorporate local ingredients like mushrooms, cheese, and ready‑made soups to simplify preparation while retaining the signature buttery flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this butter chicken casserole?
Common errors include under‑seasoning the chicken, not covering the dish tightly enough (which can dry out the rice), and forgetting to check that the chicken reaches 165°F. Also, adding too much extra liquid will make the casserole soggy.
Why does this recipe use beef consomme and French onion soup instead of plain chicken broth?
Beef consomme and French onion soup add a deep umami richness that mimics the buttery, caramelized notes of traditional butter chicken sauce, while also helping the rice absorb flavor during the long bake.
What does the YouTube channel Allrecipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Allrecipes focuses on easy‑to‑follow, family‑friendly recipes that use everyday ingredients. Their videos emphasize quick preparation, clear visual steps, and variations that suit a wide audience of home cooks.
Last updated: August 31, 2026








