One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is a delightful dish that combines savory chicken with a sweet and buttery sauce. It is easy to make and clean up since everything cooks in one pan. Whether you are cooking for your family or a small gathering, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The dish is not only delicious but also satisfying. The honey and garlic create a wonderful glaze that coats the chicken and rice, making every bite flavorful.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This recipe is great for many reasons. First, it is simple to prepare. You do not need to be an expert cook to make it. The steps are straightforward and quick. Second, it uses common ingredients that you may already have at home. This makes it easy to whip up a meal without a last-minute trip to the store. Third, cooking everything in one pan means less mess in your kitchen. You will spend less time cleaning up after cooking. Finally, the honey butter garlic sauce adds an exciting twist to the chicken and rice combination. The flavors blend perfectly, making it a dish everyone will love.
HOW TO MAKE One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice
Making One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is a simple process. You will have a full meal on your table in less than an hour. Make sure to read through the steps first so you know what to expect.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To prepare this dish, you will need the following kitchen equipment:
- A large skillet
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- A measuring cup
- A measuring spoon
- A cleaver or knife for chopping
- A cutting board
- A serving plate
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- To taste salt
- To taste black pepper
- 3 slices lemon (optional, for garnish)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- First, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. This helps to add flavor right from the start.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear the chicken but not so hot that it burns.
- Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and nearly cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to brown. This takes about a minute.
- Now stir in the honey and soy sauce. You want to create a sticky glaze that will coat the chicken and rice.
- Next, add the uncooked rice to the pan. Stir to coat the rice with the sauce.
- Pour in the chicken broth and mix briefly. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed.
- Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 18–22 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Once done, uncover the skillet. Fluff the rice with a fork. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color and freshness. Garnish with lemon slices if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice
This dish is best served warm right from the stove. You can scoop the chicken and rice onto plates directly from the skillet. Adding a few lemon slices on the side brightens up the meal. Consider serving it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.
STORAGE & FREEZING: One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to three days. For freezing, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice pairs well with several sides. You could serve it with:
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- A side salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted vegetables for an added touch
Each of these options enhances the meal, making it more satisfying.
VARIATIONS
Feel free to alter this recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetable Additions: You can add some frozen peas or diced carrots along with the rice for color and extra nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce.
- Different Proteins: This recipe works well with chicken breasts, pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Rice Variety: Try using brown rice or jasmine rice instead of white rice for a different flavor and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for them, as they cook faster.
2. Is it possible to make this dish without soy sauce?
You can leave out the soy sauce. For added flavor, try using coconut aminos or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
3. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice in advance and store it in separate containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice
To simplify your cooking process, consider these tips:
- Prep your ingredients: Chop the garlic and measure out your ingredients the night before. This saves time when you are ready to cook.
- Marinate the chicken: You can marinate the chicken with honey, soy sauce, salt, and pepper a few hours or overnight to deepen the flavor.
- Cook the rice ahead: Pre-cook the rice and store it in the fridge. Just add it to the pan when you are ready to make the dish.
Following these tips can help you enjoy a tasty and stress-free cooking experience. Whether it is for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal, One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is sure to be a hit!
One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and just starting to brown, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the honey and soy sauce to create a sticky glaze.
- Add the uncooked rice and stir to coat it with the sauce.
- Pour in the chicken broth and mix briefly ensuring the rice is evenly distributed.
- Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 18-22 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Once done, uncover the skillet and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and garnish with lemon slices if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!