One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

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Introduction

Craving a meal that’s delicious, easy, and leaves you with minimal cleanup? This One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is your new go-to! Tender chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection and nestled atop fluffy jasmine rice, all infused with a sweet honey-butter glaze and aromatic garlic. The paprika adds a subtle warmth, making every bite a cozy delight. I love how this dish comes together in just 40 minutes in a single skillet—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want comfort food without the fuss. Let’s dive into this sweet, savory, one-pan wonder that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Juicy, flavorful protein that cooks beautifully.
  • 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed – Fragrant, fluffy base for the dish.
  • 2 cups chicken broth – Adds savory depth to the rice.
  • ¼ cup honey – Sweet, sticky glaze for a touch of indulgence.
  • 3 tablespoons butter – Rich, buttery goodness for flavor.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced – Bold, aromatic star of the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika – Warm, smoky note for balance.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste – Seasons everything perfectly.
  • Chopped parsley (optional) – Fresh, herby garnish for color.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re set for a cozy, one-pan feast!

Prep Time & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes – Seasoning and prepping ingredients.
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes – Searing chicken and simmering rice.
  • Total Time: 40 minutes – A hearty meal in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s make this One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice with ease—here’s how:

  1. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Season 4 chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and mostly cooked through (internal temp nearing 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring to prevent burning.
  3. Cook the Rice: Stir in 1 cup rinsed jasmine rice, 2 cups chicken broth, and ¼ cup honey. Scrape up any browned bits from the skillet for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Simmer with Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, until the rice is tender, the liquid is absorbed, and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork, mixing it with the pan juices. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm, spooning the rice and chicken onto plates for a cozy, flavorful meal.

Tips & Tricks

Make this dish even better with these handy pointers:

  • Rice Rinse: Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until clear to prevent stickiness and ensure fluffy grains.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes with the paprika for a subtle heat boost.
  • Chicken Swap: Use bone-in thighs or drumsticks for extra juiciness—adjust cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
  • Flavor Boost: Stir in a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard with the honey for a tangy twist.
  • One-Pan Cleanup: Use a wide, deep skillet with a lid to keep everything contained and easy to clean.

Serving Suggestions

This one-pan meal is hearty, but these sides make it a spread:

  • Steamed Broccoli: Bright, green veggies to complement the richness.
  • Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm rolls to soak up the honey-butter sauce.
  • Cucumber Salad: Crisp, tangy salad for a refreshing contrast.
  • White Wine: A chilled Riesling to pair with the sweet-savory flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to enjoy this dish later (if there’s any left!):

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water, stirring gently, for 5-7 minutes. Or microwave in 30-second bursts until hot—skillet keeps the rice fluffier.
  • Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat—the rice may soften slightly but will still be delicious.

Nutrition Info

This dish is comforting and balanced! Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Protein: 28g – From the chicken.
  • Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 10g) – From the butter, chicken, and oil.
  • Carbohydrates: 52g – Mostly from the rice and honey.
  • Fiber: 1g – A bit from the rice.
  • Sugar: 18g – From the honey.
  • Sodium: 800mg – Varies with broth and salt; adjust to taste.

Note: Values are estimates and depend on specific brands or portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is a sweet, savory hug in a skillet, blending juicy chicken with fluffy, flavorful rice in a way that’s both comforting and effortless. The honey-butter glaze and garlicky goodness make it a dish you’ll crave again and again, and the one-pan cleanup is a total win for busy nights. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping a cozy lunch. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—or if you add your own twist! Happy cooking!