Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice

Looking for a dish that’s both comforting and a little out of the ordinary? This Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice Skillet is just the answer.

With a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, this recipe brings together tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a rich honey-garlic sauce—all in one pan.

It’s an ideal weeknight meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Ingredient Breakdown:

1. Chicken Thighs (or Breasts):
   • Why it works: Chicken thighs are packed with flavor and tend to stay moist during cooking, making them perfect for skillet dishes. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work too, though they may require careful cooking to avoid dryness. The chicken serves as the protein backbone of the dish, absorbing the rich flavors of the honey garlic sauce.
2. Honey:
   • Why it works: Honey adds a natural sweetness that complements the saltiness of the soy sauce and the sharpness of the garlic. It also helps to caramelize the chicken, giving it a beautiful golden glaze and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
3. Soy Sauce:
   • Why it works: Soy sauce is the umami element in this dish, providing depth and savory richness. It balances the sweetness of the honey and brings a subtle complexity to the dish.
4. Garlic:
   • Why it works: Garlic is a flavor powerhouse that infuses the entire dish with its pungent aroma and taste. When sautéed, garlic becomes slightly sweet, adding warmth and depth to the sauce.
5. Long-Grain White Rice:
   • Why it works: Long-grain rice is ideal for this skillet dish because it cooks up fluffy and separate, soaking in the flavors from the sauce and chicken broth. It serves as the perfect base, carrying the savory-sweet sauce and making the meal hearty and satisfying.
6. Chicken Broth:
   • Why it works: Chicken broth is used to cook the rice, ensuring it absorbs all the savory notes from the broth. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the rice, making it more than just a side but an integral part of the dish.
7. Paprika and Ground Ginger:
   • Why it works: Paprika adds a mild smokiness and a hint of color, while ground ginger introduces a touch of warmth and slight spiciness that complements the sweetness of the honey. These spices work together to elevate the dish’s flavor, making it more complex and interesting.
8. Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):
   • Why it works: If you like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the honey. This optional ingredient can be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance.
9. Frozen Peas (Optional):
   • Why it works: Adding peas brings a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish. Their natural sweetness also pairs well with the honey and garlic, and they provide a nice textural contrast to the tender chicken and rice.
10. Olive Oil and Butter:
    • Why it works: Olive oil and butter create a flavorful cooking fat that helps brown the chicken and sauté the garlic. Butter, in particular, adds a rich, creamy note that complements the honey garlic sauce.
11. Fresh Parsley or Green Onions (for Garnish):
    • Why it works: These fresh herbs add a burst of color and a fresh, vibrant flavor that lightens up the dish. They also provide a nice contrast to the rich, savory-sweet flavors in the skillet.

Conclusion:

Each ingredient in this Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice Skillet is carefully chosen to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes play off each other, while the tender chicken and fluffy rice make this dish satisfying and comforting. The recipe’s simplicity belies its complex flavor profile, making it an ideal choice for both everyday dinners and special occasions.

Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice

With a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, this recipe brings together tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a rich honey-garlic sauce—all in one pan.

No ratings yet

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• ▢ 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
• ▢ 1 cup long-grain white rice
• ▢ 2 cups chicken broth
• ▢ 3 tablespoons honey
• ▢ 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• ▢ 4 garlic cloves minced
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
• ▢ Salt and pepper to taste
• ▢ 1/2 cup frozen peas optional
• ▢ Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

Season the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
• Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and ground ginger.

Cook the Chicken:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium.
• Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Cook the Rice:

• Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring it to coat with the sauce.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Combine Everything:

• Once the rice is almost cooked, stir in the frozen peas (if using).
• Place the chicken back on top of the rice.
• Cover the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is heated through.

Serve:

• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions.
• Serve hot, drizzling any remaining sauce from the skillet over the chicken and rice.

Notes

• You can swap out the peas for other veggies like broccoli or bell peppers.
• For an extra touch, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving to add brightness.