One Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice – Sweet, Savory, and Incredibly Comforting
If you could capture comfort food in one skillet, it would look and taste like this One Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice. Juicy, golden chicken coated in a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze, nestled in buttery, flavorful rice that soaks up every drop of sauce — it’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is everything you love about home cooking: simple ingredients, bold flavors, and minimal cleanup. The buttery honey garlic sauce adds richness and sweetness, while a splash of soy and chicken broth gives the dish balance and depth. The rice cooks directly in the same pan, absorbing all the juices from the chicken — meaning every bite is flavorful, tender, and deeply satisfying.
It’s not just dinner. It’s a warm, golden bowl of happiness that makes everyone at the table reach for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan, zero stress. Everything — the chicken, the sauce, and the rice — cooks in the same skillet.
- Bold, balanced flavors. The sweetness of honey, the richness of butter, and the punch of garlic create magic together.
- Juicy, tender chicken. Cooking the chicken in the sauce keeps it moist and flavorful.
- Perfectly cooked rice. The rice absorbs all the seasonings and chicken juices, creating a savory, buttery base.
- Family-friendly comfort food. Sweet enough for kids, flavorful enough for adults.
Ingredients for One Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, pounded to even thickness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
For the Rice:
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (like basmati or jasmine)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside — it will finish cooking later with the rice.
2. Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
Add the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, stirring well to combine. The sauce should bubble slightly and begin to thicken.
Pro Tip: Scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan — they add extra flavor!
3. Toast the Rice
Add the uncooked rice directly to the skillet and stir to coat every grain in the honey garlic butter mixture. Toast for about 1–2 minutes until the rice becomes slightly glossy and fragrant. This step infuses the rice with rich, buttery flavor right from the start.
4. Add the Liquid and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth, then season with a bit of salt and garlic powder. Stir gently to mix, making sure no rice is stuck to the bottom.
Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet on top of the rice. Spoon a bit of sauce over each piece so they’re well-coated.
5. Simmer to Perfection
Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
Check after 20 minutes — if the rice needs a little more time, add a splash of broth or water and continue cooking until done.
6. Finish and Serve
Once done, turn off the heat and let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, spoon the honey butter sauce over the chicken, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
Serve warm — preferably straight from the skillet for that rustic, family-style feel.
One Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in skillet and sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter to skillet. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add honey, soy sauce, and vinegar; simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add rice to the pan, stirring to coat. Pour in chicken broth and season with salt and garlic powder.
- Nestle chicken on top. Cover and simmer 20–25 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
- Rest 5 minutes, fluff rice, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Choose the right rice. Long-grain white rice works best — short-grain rice can become mushy.
- Avoid burning the garlic. Cook it on medium heat until fragrant, not browned.
- Adjust sweetness. For less sweetness, reduce honey by 1 tablespoon and add a touch more soy sauce.
- Want a richer flavor? Swap some of the butter for browned butter.
- Make it spicy. Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili oil before serving.
Variations to Try
- Add Vegetables: Toss in chopped broccoli, bell peppers, or peas in the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream after cooking.
- Use Different Protein: This recipe works beautifully with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Asian-Inspired Twist: Add a splash of sesame oil and top with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Citrus Glow: Replace apple cider vinegar with orange juice for a brighter, tangier flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This One Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots
- A fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls for soaking up extra sauce
And for dessert? Keep it simple with something light like fresh fruit or a scoop of lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Microwave on medium power for 2–3 minutes with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
- To Freeze: Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Meal Prep Tip: Divide into portions for easy weekday lunches — it reheats beautifully!
Fun Fact: The Trio of Honey, Butter, and Garlic
This flavor trio is beloved worldwide for good reason. Honey adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize meats. Butter brings richness and depth, while garlic delivers that irresistible savory aroma that makes your kitchen smell heavenly. Together, they form a sauce that’s simple but absolutely addictive — the kind that turns basic chicken and rice into a crave-worthy meal.
Final Thoughts
When you need a dinner that’s both comforting and impressive, One Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice delivers every time. With tender, golden chicken, buttery rice, and that glossy honey garlic glaze coating everything in flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — and you’ll only have one pan to wash afterward.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this dish proves that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.
Grab your skillet, and let’s make tonight delicious.
