One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

Introduction

Looking for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s easy to prepare and leaves minimal cleanup? This One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is the perfect solution! The rich, buttery sauce with hints of sweet honey and savory garlic coats tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, making each bite an irresistible delight.

This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet simple. Since everything cooks in one pan, it allows the flavors to blend beautifully, giving you a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, so whether you’re cooking for family or guests, expect to hear plenty of compliments!

Now, let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 boneless chicken thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but adds depth)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Rice:

• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water with 1 bouillon cube)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust based on broth’s sodium content)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)

Garnishes (Optional but Recommended):

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• Lemon wedges for serving

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Toss the seasoned chicken with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. This helps create a crispy texture when frying.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

4. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
5. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet—just browned for flavor.
6. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

7. In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Add the honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 1 minute.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

9. Stir in the rinsed rice, coating it in the flavorful sauce.
10. Pour in the chicken broth, add salt, and sprinkle in dried thyme. Stir everything together.
11. Bring the mixture to a light simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 5: Combine Everything & Simmer

12. Place the seared chicken back into the pan, nestling the pieces into the rice mixture.
13. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this disrupts the cooking process.

Step 6: Fluff & Garnish

14. Once the rice is fully cooked, turn off the heat and let the pan sit covered for 5 minutes.
15. Fluff the rice with a fork, making sure the chicken is evenly distributed.
16. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and sesame seeds for extra flavor and color.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

17. Serve the dish hot, optionally with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Tips for Perfecting This Dish

1. Use the Right Rice

Jasmine or basmati rice works best because they stay fluffy and don’t turn mushy. Avoid using short-grain or sticky rice unless you prefer a creamier texture.

2. Rinse Your Rice

Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy. Simply rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear.

3. Sear the Chicken First

Browning the chicken before adding it to the rice enhances its texture and locks in moisture.

4. Adjust the Sweetness

If you prefer a more savory dish, reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons. If you love sweetness, keep it at 3 tablespoons or even add a drizzle at the end.

5. Let It Rest

After cooking, let the dish sit covered for a few minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and prevents it from sticking.

Variations

1. Make It Spicy

Add an extra teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.

2. Use Different Proteins

Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even sliced beef for a different twist.

3. Add Vegetables

Stir in bell peppers, peas, or carrots for a complete one-pan meal. If using frozen veggies, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

4. Try Brown Rice

For a healthier option, use brown rice instead of white. However, brown rice takes longer to cook, so add an extra ½ cup of broth and increase cooking time to 35-40 minutes.

Conservation & Storage

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is satisfying on its own, but here are a few serving ideas:

• With a Side Salad: A crisp cucumber or Asian slaw salad balances the sweetness.
• With Roasted Veggies: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or asparagus.
• With a Fried Egg: A soft, runny egg on top adds richness.
• With a Side of Naan or Bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

2. Can I make this dish with brown rice?

Absolutely! However, brown rice takes longer to cook. You’ll need to add an extra ½ cup of chicken broth and increase the cooking time to about 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on the liquid level and add more if needed.

3. What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute cornstarch with all-purpose flour or leave it out entirely. Cornstarch helps create a light, crispy coating on the chicken, but the dish will still be delicious without it.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the chicken with tofu or a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like heat, increase the red pepper flakes, add a dash of hot sauce, or stir in some chopped fresh chilies. You can also drizzle sriracha or chili oil on top before serving.

6. Why is my rice mushy?

If your rice turns out mushy, it might be due to too much liquid or overcooking. Always rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch, and use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio. Also, avoid stirring the rice too much while it’s cooking.

7. Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Using pre-cooked rice is not recommended for this recipe, as it won’t absorb the flavors properly. However, if you must use it, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking and reduce the broth to about ½ cup.

8. Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! This meal stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

9. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

10. What side dishes go well with this meal?

Some great side options include a fresh cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or a light soup. A fried egg on top also adds extra richness!

Conclusion

One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and heartiness. The buttery garlic sauce enhances the tender chicken and fluffy rice, making it a dish you’ll want to cook again and again. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just looking for a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe has you covered.

Give it a try tonight, and enjoy the incredible balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness in every bite!

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