If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then wait until you try this One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe. It’s a beautifully balanced meal where tender chicken thighs get a rich, sticky honey butter garlic glaze, all cooked effortlessly with fluffy, flavorful rice in one pan. This magic combination means fewer dishes to clean and more time to savor every bite of comfort-filled goodness. Perfect for weeknights or any time you want a hassle-free, satisfying dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a special role in making this dish sing with flavor, texture, and a beautiful golden hue. From the savory richness of butter to the natural sweetness of honey, every element works together to create something truly unforgettable.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, chicken thighs hold flavor and stay moist through cooking.
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked): This is the base that will soak up all the delicious sauce, turning fluffy and flavorful.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a punch of aromatic savoriness that sings in every bite.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Sweetness that creates the perfect balance with savory and salty elements.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture to the glaze and rice.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor, replacing water for a richer taste.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Introduces a salty umami kick that elevates all other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden perfection, adding a hint of fruitiness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of vibrant color to finish the dish.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming them.
- Black pepper, to taste: Provides just the right hint of spice and warmth.
- 3 slices lemon (optional, for garnish): Offers a bright citrus finish that pairs beautifully with the richness.
How to Make One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This simple step ensures you build a savory foundation that the honey butter mixture can complement without overwhelming.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully place the chicken in the pan. Sear each side until golden brown and almost cooked through—this caramelization locks in juices and adds flavor layers that you’ll notice in every bite. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside. Don’t worry about cooking it fully here; it will finish cooking with the rice.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic in Butter
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted and shimmering, toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook just until fragrant and lightly browned. This step creates that signature garlicky, buttery aroma that fills your kitchen and teases your taste buds.
Step 4: Make the Honey Soy Glaze
It’s time for the magic touch: stir the honey and soy sauce into the garlic butter. This combination transforms into a sticky, glossy glaze that balances sweet and salty notes, setting the stage for the rice and chicken to soak up all that deliciousness.
Step 5: Coat the Rice
Add the uncooked white rice directly to the skillet and stir well, making sure each grain gets coated in the luscious honey butter mixture. This step ensures that your rice will not only taste amazing but also have the perfect texture after cooking.
Step 6: Simmer Everything Together
Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a quick mix. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, pressing them slightly into the rice. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let the magic happen as the rice cooks gently in the flavorful broth alongside the chicken, about 18 to 22 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed perfectly.
Step 7: Finish and Garnish
Once cooking is complete, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Sprinkle over the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Optionally, add lemon slices on top for a bright, zesty contrast that cuts through the richness and adds an elegant touch.
How to Serve One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must for its aroma and vibrant green color, but lemon slices or a light drizzle of extra honey can elevate the dish’s sweetness and brightness. These small touches make a big difference visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This dish is surprisingly complete on its own, but pairing it with a simple side salad, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables adds texture and balance. Crunchy or crisp veggies complement the soft rice and tender chicken beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish straight from the pan for a cozy, comforting feel or plate each serving neatly with a sprinkle of parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. For a special touch, garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions, giving a fun twist to this already incredible One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken and rice can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. It maintains flavor and moisture well, making for a fantastic next-day meal or lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. To preserve best quality, cool the dish completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Cover the pan or bowl to prevent drying out. The flavors stay just as wonderful the second time around!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out quicker than thighs. Keep an eye on cooking times to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce to keep it safe for gluten sensitivities. Otherwise, all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?
Brown rice can be used but will require a longer cooking time and perhaps a bit more liquid. Adjust accordingly and be patient as it absorbs flavors more slowly.
What’s the best way to get a crispy skin on this recipe?
This recipe uses skinless chicken thighs for ease and tenderness, but if you prefer skin-on, sear skin-side down longer to crisp it up before proceeding with the recipe steps.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or pan to accommodate the extra ingredients and maintain even cooking. Keep the same ratios and cooking times, checking rice tenderness as needed.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the comforting joy of a meal that feels special but is also easy and quick to prepare. This One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe is just that — bursting with flavor, effortlessly delicious, and perfect for sharing any night of the week. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!
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One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is a delicious and easy-to-make meal combining tender chicken thighs with fragrant garlic, sweet honey, and buttery rice cooked all in one skillet. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
Grains
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
Flavorings and Sauces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 slices lemon (optional, for garnish)
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear until golden brown on both sides and nearly cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic in Butter: Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet, then stir in minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and just starting to brown, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Create Honey Soy Glaze: Stir in honey and soy sauce, combining with the butter and garlic to form a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Add Rice and Broth: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat each grain with the sticky sauce. Pour in chicken broth and mix briefly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Chicken and Rice: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan resting on the rice. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18-22 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, uncover, and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish and garnish with lemon slices if using. Serve warm for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs keeps the meat moist and tender; chicken breasts can be used but may dry out slightly.
- You can substitute white rice with jasmine or basmati for a different aroma, though cooking time may vary.
- Adjust salt according to the saltiness of your soy sauce to avoid oversalting.
- For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last few minutes and let some liquid evaporate.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
