Few dishes strike the perfect balance between comfort and convenience like this One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice. Juicy chicken bites coated in a sticky, buttery honey garlic glaze rest atop perfectly cooked jasmine rice that soaks up every drop of savory sweetness. It’s rich, flavorful, and unbelievably simple to make—all in a single pan.
This recipe has everything: buttery richness, garlicky depth, and a touch of sweetness that lingers on the palate. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, satisfying, and feels indulgent without being complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ One pan, zero hassle: Cook everything in one skillet for fewer dishes and more flavor.
🍯 Balanced flavor perfection: The honey butter garlic glaze is sweet, savory, and completely irresistible.
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, with easy options for spice or veggies.
🍚 Weeknight magic: Ready in under 40 minutes but tastes like you’ve been simmering all day.
🥡 Meal-prep ready: Stores and reheats beautifully for next-day lunches.
Essential Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy equipment to make this dish—just a few kitchen basics:
- Large Nonstick Skillet with Lid: Ensures even cooking and helps the rice steam perfectly.
- Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For cutting the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring and spreading the glaze without scratching the pan.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for the perfect sauce.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Rinse the rice to remove excess starch and achieve that light, fluffy texture.
These simple tools keep the process smooth and stress-free.
Pro Tips Before You Begin
✅ Cut chicken evenly: Uniform cubes ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
✅ Rinse rice until clear: This step prevents clumpy, sticky rice.
✅ Don’t move the chicken too soon: Let it sear undisturbed to develop that golden crust.
✅ Warm honey slightly: It mixes more easily into the sauce for a silky glaze.
✅ Use fresh garlic: Pre-minced garlic doesn’t deliver the same aroma or flavor punch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped parsley or green onions
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Each ingredient layers flavor into the next—creating a glossy, garlicky sauce that seeps into every grain of rice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sear until golden brown—about 5–7 minutes.
Once browned, remove from the pan and set aside. (It will finish cooking later.)
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter, then add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Stir in honey and soy sauce, whisking to create a smooth, sticky glaze.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Broth
Add the rinsed jasmine rice to the pan and stir to coat it in the glaze.
Pour in chicken broth, stirring gently to combine everything. Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken
Nestle the seared chicken pieces into the rice.
Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth has been absorbed.
Step 5: Rest and Fluff
Once cooked, remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with parsley, green onions, and red pepper flakes, and serve hot.
Helpful Notes & Variations
- 🥄 Rice type matters: Jasmine rice gives the best texture. If using long-grain or brown rice, increase the broth and cooking time slightly.
- 🍯 Adjust glaze thickness: If your sauce seems thin, let it simmer an extra minute before adding the rice.
- 🍗 Chicken choice: Thighs offer richer flavor, while breasts are leaner—choose your favorite.
- 🌶️ Add heat: Stir in sriracha or chili flakes for a sweet-spicy balance.
- 🍽️ Double it: Easily scales up—just use a large enough pan so the rice cooks evenly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Skipping the rice rinse: Leads to gummy rice.
🚫 Overcrowding the chicken: It’ll steam instead of sear—brown in batches if needed.
🚫 Lifting the lid early: Steam is key for fluffy rice.
🚫 Too high simmering heat: Evaporates broth too quickly.
🚫 Adding garlic too early: Burnt garlic turns bitter fast.
What to Serve With It
This flavorful dish shines on its own but pairs perfectly with simple, bright sides:
- 🥦 Steamed Broccoli – Balances the buttery glaze.
- 🥗 Crisp Garden Salad – Refreshing contrast with vinaigrette.
- 🥒 Pickled Veggies – Add tang to cut through richness.
- 🌰 Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Nutty, caramelized, and savory.
- 🧄 Garlic Green Beans – Doubles down on the garlicky goodness.
- 🥛 Cucumber Yogurt Salad – Cooling and creamy.
- 🥠 Crispy Egg Rolls – For an Asian-inspired twist.
- 🍋 Lemon Asparagus – Light and zesty side option.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Let cool before sealing to avoid condensation.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water to refresh the rice.
Freeze
- Freeze up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Makes 4)
Calories: ~475
Protein: 29g
Carbs: 48g
Fat: 18g
Sugars: 11g
Sodium: 650mg
(Values vary by ingredients used.)
FAQ
Can I use brown rice?
Yes—but it needs extra liquid and cooking time (around 40–45 minutes total).
Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap butter for plant-based butter or olive oil.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Thaw completely first to get the right sear and texture.
Can I use a honey substitute?
Try maple syrup or agave nectar for similar sweetness.
Why is my rice mushy?
Too much liquid or unwashed rice can cause this. Stick to the ratios and rinse thoroughly.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers work great—add them when adding the rice.
Can I make it spicy?
Add chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is comfort food made effortless. Every bite delivers tender chicken, buttery-sweet glaze, and fluffy rice infused with garlicky goodness—all with minimal cleanup.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, meal-prep favorite, or cozy Sunday meal, this recipe hits all the right notes: simple, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. 🍯🍗✨
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: parsley, green onions, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken, season, and sear until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same pan, add garlic, and sauté 30 seconds.
- Stir in honey and soy sauce to create a glaze.
- Add rice and stir to coat, then pour in broth and bring to a boil.
- Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes.
- Remove from heat, let rest 5 minutes, fluff rice, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total: 35 mins