One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe

Introduction

This one-pan honey butter garlic chicken & rice is a simple yet flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs cooked in a sticky honey garlic glaze combine with fluffy rice for a comforting dish all in one skillet.

Ingredients

• 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
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 3 slices lemon (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to brown.
3. Step 3: Stir in the honey and soy sauce to create a sticky glaze in the pan.
4. Step 4: Add the uncooked rice and stir to coat it evenly with the sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and mix briefly.
5. Step 5: Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan with the rice. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 18–22 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Step 6: Uncover, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Garnish with lemon slices if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use jasmine or basmati rice for a different texture and aroma.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and honey for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Add vegetables like peas or diced bell peppers to the rice before simmering for added color and nutrition.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used but they may dry out more easily. Monitor cooking time closely and consider lowering heat slightly to keep them tender.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before adding rice?

Searing adds a golden crust and extra flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Keep in mind the dish might be less caramelized without searing.

One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 109 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender honey butter garlic chicken thighs cooked alongside perfectly fluffy rice in a savory honey-soy glaze.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken & Marinade

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Rice & Sauce

• 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 3 slices lemon (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and nearly cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Cook Garlic in Butter: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and just starts to brown, about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Add Honey and Soy Sauce: Stir in the honey and soy sauce, mixing to create a sticky, flavorful glaze coating the skillet bottom.
4. Incorporate Rice and Broth: Add the uncooked white rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the rice evenly with the honey-garlic glaze. Pour in the chicken broth and stir briefly.
5. Simmer Chicken and Rice: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet over the rice. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Allow to simmer gently for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Finish and Serve: Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish. Garnish with lemon slices if desired. Serve the dish warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for juiciness and even cooking.
• Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially since soy sauce adds saltiness.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Lemon slices add a fresh brightness but can be omitted.
• Covering the pan tightly while simmering is important to cook the rice properly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey butter garlic chicken, One pan chicken and rice, Easy chicken dinner, Garlic chicken recipe, Skillet chicken and rice