If you are looking for a soul-satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor with minimal fuss, you’ve got to try the One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed in a luscious honey butter garlic sauce all cooked alongside perfectly fluffy rice. It’s comfort food at its finest, all made in one pan for easy cleanup without sacrificing any flavor. The combination of sweet, savory, and buttery elements creates a harmonious dish that feels both special and homey, perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but so essential because each adds depth, richness, or brightness to the dish. From aromatic garlic to a touch of soy sauce for umami, everything works in harmony to elevate the chicken and rice to something truly delicious.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juiciness and flavor locked in every bite.
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked): Cooks perfectly tender, absorbing all the delicious sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds vibrant aroma and sharpness that balances the honey’s sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Gives a natural sweetness and a beautiful sticky glaze.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings richness and a velvety texture to the sauce.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Essential for cooking the rice and infusing it with savory goodness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Enhances flavor with salty, umami depth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken and build flavor with its light fruitiness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh green touch.
- Salt, to taste: Highlights the natural flavors throughout.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds just the right hint of spice and complexity.
- 3 slices lemon (optional, for garnish): A lovely fresh citrus pop to finish.
How to Make One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step is crucial because it ensures your chicken is flavorful on its own and helps build a tasty crust when searing.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your chicken thighs. Let them sear undisturbed until both sides turn a gorgeous golden brown and the chicken is nearly cooked through. This browning adds incredible flavor and texture. Once done, remove and set aside—they will finish cooking with the rice later.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic in Butter
Lower the heat to medium, then add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. The butter will melt and gently cook the garlic until fragrant and just beginning to brown, releasing a warm, inviting aroma that signals your dish is building layers of flavor.
Step 4: Make the Honey Soy Glaze
To the garlic butter mixture, stir in honey and soy sauce. This combination creates a sticky glaze that perfectly balances the sweetness and saltiness, which will coat both the chicken and rice, making every bite irresistible.
Step 5: Add the Rice and Broth
Next, add the uncooked white rice directly into the skillet, stirring it thoroughly so every grain is coated in that delectable glaze. Then pour in the chicken broth and give everything a quick mix. The broth is what cooks the rice while absorbing all those beautiful flavors.
Step 6: Simmer Together
Carefully nestle your seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, pressing them slightly into the rice mixture. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 18 to 22 minutes. During this time, the rice will cook perfectly, soaking up the honey butter garlic sauce, and the chicken will get tender and juicy as it finishes cooking.
Step 7: Fluff and Garnish
Once cooked, remove the cover and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and a fresh, herbal note. Don’t forget to add those lemon slices on top if you like a splash of citrus brightness!
How to Serve One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic finishing touch, but you can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a few lemon slices to brighten the dish. A light sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a gentle spicy contrast that wakes up the senses.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a complete meal by itself, but if you want to balance it out, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, or even some garlicky sautéed spinach. These sides add texture and freshness, complementing the rich, buttery chicken and rice beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe family-style straight from the skillet to keep it cozy and informal. Alternatively, plate the chicken on a bed of the glazed rice and drizzle more of the pan sauce over the top for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Garnish with edible flowers or herbs for a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days, maintaining the lovely blend of honey, butter, and garlic flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Portion the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist. Alternatively, microwave in intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This ensures none of the buttery garlic goodness is lost.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind that thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy during cooking. If using breasts, watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying them out.
Is it possible to use brown rice in this recipe?
Brown rice can be used but requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You may need to adjust the broth quantity and simmer time accordingly to ensure the rice softens properly without burning.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
If you need a soy-free alternative, coconut aminos work wonderfully and offer a slightly sweeter, milder flavor, which pairs well with the honey and garlic.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without compromising flavor.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
For crispy skin, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and sear them skin-side down longer before flipping. You can also finish cooking the chicken under a broiler for a couple of minutes at the end, but this step is optional since the tenderness is the highlight.
Final Thoughts
The One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe is one of those magical meals that feel like a warm hug, combining simplicity and incredible flavor all in one dish. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself craving comfort food, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy and rewarding weeknight dinners can be!
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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 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious one-pan meal featuring tender honey butter garlic chicken thighs cooked with fragrant garlic, honey glaze, and savory rice. This easy skillet recipe combines juicy chicken and flavorful rice cooked together in a buttery, garlicky sauce for a comforting dinner ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce and Rice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 3 slices lemon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear until golden brown and nearly cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Butter: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and just starting to brown, about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Make the Honey Soy Glaze: Stir in honey and soy sauce into the garlic butter, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Add Rice and Broth: Add the uncooked white rice to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the sauce. Pour in chicken broth and mix gently to combine.
- Simmer Chicken and Rice: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the rice. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 18-22 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Add lemon slices as a garnish if using. Serve warm immediately.
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicy and tender results; chicken breasts can dry out.
- Ensure the rice is fully submerged in liquid for even cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
