One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe
Jump to Recipe·4 from 49 reviews

If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed in a luscious honey butter garlic sauce, cozied up with fluffy, flavorful rice that soaks up all those incredible tastes in one perfect skillet. It’s simple, comforting, and impressive without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, this dish brings a magical blend of sweet, savory, and buttery goodness that’s hard to beat.

boneless skinless chicken thighs, uncooked white rice in a small bowl, minced garlic cloves scattered neatly, golden honey in a glass jar, creamy unsalted butter on a small dish, clear chicken broth in a measuring cup, dark soy sauce in a small ceramic bowl, shiny olive oil in a delicate glass bottle, vibrant chopped fresh parsley in a tiny white bowl, coarse sea salt and black peppercorns in small wooden spoons, three bright yellow lemon slices artistically placed; all ingredients arranged on a clean, light wooden surface with soft natural lighting to highlight the textures—the glossy honey, smooth butter, fluffy rice grains, and fresh herbs create a warm, inviting color palette with pops of green and yellow for contrast; subtle shadows add depth, minimal props for a modern, uncluttered look; overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1 this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of approachable ingredients that work together beautifully to create layers of flavor and appealing textures. Each ingredient is essential, ensuring your dish has the perfect balance of sweetness, savoriness, creaminess, and brightness.

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that stays moist through cooking, perfect for soaking in flavors.
  • White rice (uncooked): A great canvas that absorbs the delicious sauce, making every grain flavorful and tender.
  • Garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch and depth of flavor that elevates the whole dish.
  • Honey: Offers a natural sweetness and helps create that irresistible sticky glaze around the chicken.
  • Unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce for richness and silky mouthfeel.
  • Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory goodness and keeps it moist as it cooks.
  • Soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to balance the sweetness of honey and butter.
  • Olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden crust while adding subtle flavor.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped: Sprinkled at the end for a pop of green color and fresh herbal brightness.
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor component.
  • Lemon slices (optional): Adds fresh citrus notes and a beautiful garnish to brighten the plate.

How to Make One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning lays the groundwork for deep flavor. Then, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until it develops a golden, slightly crispy crust. This step locks in juices and adds texture. Once browned and nearly cooked through, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—don’t worry, it will finish cooking alongside the rice.

Step 2: Build the Sauce with Garlic and Butter

Turn the heat down to medium and add butter to the hot skillet. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook gently until fragrant and just starting to brown. This combination releases an intoxicating aroma and lays the foundation for your sticky, savory glaze.

Step 3: Add Honey and Soy Sauce for the Perfect Glaze

Stir in the honey and soy sauce straight into the skillet, mixing them with the butter and garlic. This step creates a luscious sauce that clings to both the chicken and rice, delivering that signature sweet-and-savory profile that makes this One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe so unforgettable.

Step 4: Incorporate Rice and Broth

Now, add the uncooked white rice directly into the skillet, stirring it well to coat every grain with the flavorful glaze. Pour in the chicken broth, which will cook the rice to tender perfection while infusing it with savory richness. Give it a quick stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 5: Nestle Chicken Back and Simmer

Gently nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them right into the rice. Cover the pan, turn the heat down to low, and let everything simmer for about 18 to 22 minutes. During this time, the rice will fluff up, absorb all those lovely flavors, and the chicken will finish cooking to juicy perfection.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serve

Remove the cover and fluff the rice gently with a fork, making sure the dish looks inviting and light. Sprinkle on freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceousness. For an extra touch of brightness, add some lemon slices on top if you like. Serve this beautiful, comforting plate warm and dig in!

How to Serve One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the simplest way to bring fresh green color and a subtle herbal note that cuts through the richness. Lemon slices not only brighten the visual appeal but also offer an optional citrus lift that pairs wonderfully with the garlicky honey glaze.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp, simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette. These add contrasting textures and freshness, balancing the rich, buttery chicken and rice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a memorable presentation, serve the chicken thighs sliced atop the fluffy rice on individual plates with scattered parsley and lemon wedges for guests to squeeze as they wish. You can also serve it family-style in the skillet, letting the caramelized crust on the chicken and rice edges add to the rustic charm and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, this dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals that still taste amazing.

Freezing

You can freeze the One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe in portion-sized containers. For best results, freeze within two days of cooking and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out, or microwave covered in intervals, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. This keeps the chicken juicy and the rice perfectly tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can swap in boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be mindful they cook a bit faster and can dry out, so reduce simmering time accordingly to keep them juicy.

Is it necessary to use white rice, or can I use brown rice?

White rice works best because it cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce nicely within the cooking time. Brown rice requires longer cooking and might need extra liquid to fully soften.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and make sure your chicken broth is also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What other herbs can I use if I don’t have parsley?

Fresh thyme, cilantro, or chives would all be great alternatives that add fresh flavor and color. Choose one that matches your taste preference and the meal’s mood.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Try stirring in peas, chopped bell peppers, or spinach during the simmering phase to add extra nutrition and color. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if adding harder vegetables.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to dishes for effortless, soul-satisfying dinners. The way all the flavors meld together in one pan is pure magic, and the clean-up is just as easy as the cooking. So grab your skillet, gather these simple ingredients, and get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this plate with you!

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One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe

One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 49 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is a comforting and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken thighs glazed in a sweet honey butter garlic sauce, cooked together with fluffy rice in a single skillet. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines savory, sweet, and aromatic elements in one convenient dish.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

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
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 slices lemon (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season Chicken: Season the boneless skinless chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear them on both sides until they are golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Butter: Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter along with the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant and begins to brown lightly, infusing the butter with flavor.
  4. Make Honey Soy Glaze: Stir in honey and soy sauce into the garlic butter mixture, cooking until it forms a sticky glaze that will coat the rice and chicken.
  5. Add Rice and Broth: Pour the uncooked white rice into the skillet, stirring to evenly coat the grains with the glaze. Then add the chicken broth and stir briefly to combine everything.
  6. Simmer Chicken and Rice: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet among the rice. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
  7. Finish and Garnish: Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Optionally, garnish with lemon slices for a bright, fresh touch. Serve the dish warm for a hearty, one-pan meal.

Notes

  • Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for tender, juicy meat that cooks evenly.
  • Adjust honey quantity for your preferred sweetness level.
  • For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Make sure to keep the heat low during simmering to avoid burning the bottom.
  • Optional lemon slices add a nice brightness and subtle acidity to balance the sweetness.

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