Description

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

Scale

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

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with a paper towel.
Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
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

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
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.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

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.
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

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

Step 5: Combine Everything & Simmer

Place the seared chicken back into the pan, nestling the pieces into the rice mixture.
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

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

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

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.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Easy Dinner Recipes
Method: One-Pan / Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ of the recipe)
Calories: ~480 kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg