One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice
One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice
Cooking in today’s fast-paced world can often feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to preparing wholesome meals for family or friends. One dish that simplifies the task without sacrificing flavor or nutrition is the One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice. This straightforward recipe combines juicy chicken thighs, fragrant garlic, and delightful honey butter sauce with fluffy rice, all cooked in a single skillet. Not only will it save you time on clean-up, but it also brings everyone together around a delicious and comforting meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
Making this delicious chicken and rice dish is a great choice for several reasons. The first and foremost is the delightful harmony of flavors that come together in the pan. The sweetness of honey pairs beautifully with the savory notes of garlic and soy sauce, while the butter adds a rich creaminess that coats everything perfectly. It’s a simple yet satisfying combination that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Moreover, cooking everything in one pan minimizes pots and pans, making the dish hassle-free and perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick meal prep.
Another appealing aspect of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. Need to use up some vegetables? Feel free to toss in some broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas towards the end of cooking. This dish also shines with ease of preparation; it mostly involves just a few steps of browning the chicken, sautéing the garlic, and simmering everything together. You’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal!
How to make One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice
Making One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is as simple as following a few easy steps. You’ll be amazed at how quickly and effortlessly you can prepare this savory dish. With just a few ingredients and an easy technique, you can create a delightful meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients :
To create this scrumptious dish, gather the following 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
- To taste: salt
- To taste: black pepper
- 3 slices lemon (optional, for garnish)
These ingredients come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors in just one pan.
Directions :
Now let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to a delicious dinner.
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Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken until it turns golden brown and is nearly cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest.
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In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter along with the minced garlic. Cook them together until the garlic becomes fragrant and begins to turn a light brown. This step enhances the dish’s flavor profile, infusing the butter with the aromatic scent of garlic.
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Next, incorporate the honey and soy sauce into the skillet to create a sticky glaze. Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring that each grain gets coated in this rich sauce.
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Pour in the chicken broth, giving everything a gentle mix. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
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Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 18 to 22 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
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After cooking, uncover the skillet, fluff the rice with a fork, and sprinkle chopped parsley on top. If you like, garnish with lemon slices for a refreshing touch before serving the dish warm.
Time Breakdown
The beauty of One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice lies not only in its flavor but also in the time it takes to prepare. Here’s a quick breakdown of how long each part of the meal will take:
- Preparation time: Approximately 10-15 minutes
- Cooking time: About 25-30 minutes
- Total meal time: Roughly 40-45 minutes
With minimal prep and cook time, you will soon be enjoying your meal with family or friends.
How to serve One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice
When it comes to serving this delightful dish, presentation plays a key role. Once you’ve cooked and garnished your One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice, serve it straight from the skillet to the table for a rustic touch. To make it more visually appealing, consider arranging the chicken thighs atop a fluffy bed of rice, with parsley and lemon slices artfully placed around the dish. This not only looks inviting but also allows everyone to dig in easily.
Pair this meal with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and well-balanced dinner. The blend of flavors in the chicken and rice will certainly shine through as a standout option.
How to store One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice
Storing leftovers from your One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is simple. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm up the dish in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated thoroughly. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help rehydrate the rice and keep it flavorful during reheating.
Tips to make One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice
Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your chicken and rice turns out delicious every time:
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality chicken will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly.
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Adjust the sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey according to your taste preference. You can add more honey for a sweeter dish or reduce it for a more savory flavor.
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Monitor the cook time: Make sure to follow the cooking time precisely. Overcooked rice can become mushy, while undercooked rice may remain hard.
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Experiment with vegetables: Adding some chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or peas can provide extra nutrition and flavor.
Variation
One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is versatile, allowing you to add your personal touch. For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic. Alternatively, for a citrus burst, swap the honey for orange juice or zest. If you’re looking to make this dish lighter, you can substitute chicken thighs with skinless chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that they may require less cooking time.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
As people often seek to balance their meals with nutritional content, here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect from each serving of One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice:
- Calories: Approx. 400-450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
These values may vary slightly depending on ingredient variations and portion sizes, but this dish is generally nutritious and satisfying.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time. Adjust the amount of chicken broth and simmer time accordingly.
2. What can I use instead of chicken thighs?
You can replace the chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even use cut-up chicken legs. Just be aware that cooking times may vary based on the size and type of chicken used.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients in advance and then assemble and cook them when you’re ready to serve. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for later enjoyment.
In conclusion, One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table. With its ease of preparation, minimal clean-up, and delicious taste, it is bound to become a family favorite. With a few variations and additional ingredients, you can make this dish uniquely yours, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
Main 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
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 3 slices lemon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Set aside to rest.
- In the same skillet, add unsalted butter and minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and turns light brown.
- Incorporate honey and soy sauce into the skillet, stirring to create a sticky glaze.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring each grain is coated in the sauce.
- Pour in the chicken broth and mix gently, then nestle seared chicken thighs back into the pan.
- Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 18-22 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Uncover the skillet, fluff the rice with a fork, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Garnish with lemon slices before serving.
