Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the sun sets and a hint of evening chill lingers in the air, nothing warms the heart quite like the enticing aroma of a home-cooked meal. One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice has quickly become my go-to dish for those bustling weeknights when I crave something hearty but don’t want to spend hours locked away in the kitchen. This easy dinner recipe is a perfect fusion of savory and sweet, where succulent chicken thighs soak in a golden honey-butter glaze while fluffy rice absorbs all that irresistible flavor. Not only does this one-pan wonder make cleanup a breeze, but it also takes just as little effort to prepare as it does to savor. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this comforting dish will surely please. What’s your favorite way to simplify dinner on busy nights? Why is One-Pan Cooking So Appealing? Simplicity: This recipe is perfect for busy nights as it requires minimal prep and clean-up—just one pan and you’re set! Flavor-Rich: The honey-butter glaze coupled with garlic creates a delightful blend that elevates your chicken and rice to a new level of deliciousness. Versatile: Whether you’re a fan of chicken thighs or prefer leaner breasts, this dish accommodates your choices easily. Nutrient-Packed: Add frozen peas or any quick-cooking vegetable to boost nutrition without compromising the cooking time, just like in Savory Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage. Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this dish at family gatherings or cozy dinners, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “comfort food”! Time-Saving: With everything cooking simultaneously, you’ll have more time to enjoy your meal and less time slaving away in the kitchen. One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken Thighs – Main protein source that delivers juiciness and flavor; feel free to substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts if preferred. • Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor. For the Cooking Base • Olive Oil – Cooking fat for searing the chicken; can be replaced with vegetable oil if needed. • Garlic – Aromatic base that infuses flavor into the dish; use fresh or substitute with garlic powder for convenience. For Flavor and Sweetness • Honey – Provides sweetness and a glossy glaze; maple syrup can be an alternative for a unique twist on your One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice. • Unsalted Butter – Adds richness to the sauce; margarine may be used as a dairy-free option. For the Rice and Liquid • Long-Grain White Rice – The dish’s base that absorbs flavors during cooking; swap with brown rice but adjust liquid ratios and cooking time accordingly. • Chicken Broth – Adds depth of flavor and moisture; use vegetable broth for a lighter version. Herbs and Spices • Dried Thyme – Provides an herbal note; can substitute with Italian seasoning or fresh thyme if available. • Smoked Paprika – Adds a smoky flavor; regular paprika can be used for a milder taste. For Color and Nutrition • Frozen Peas (optional) – Adds color and nutrition; substitute with any quick-cooking vegetable like bell peppers or spinach if preferred. For Garnish • Chopped Fresh Parsley – Brightens the dish visually and flavorwise as a lovely finishing touch. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Step 1: Season Chicken Start by generously seasoning both sides of your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. This will enhance the natural flavor of the meat. Set aside while you heat your pan, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated for a savory one-pan honey butter garlic chicken experience. Step 2: Sear Chicken In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place your seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet, cooking for about 5–7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Step 3: Sauté Garlic Next, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. This aromatic step is crucial for infusing flavor into our one-pan honey butter garlic chicken & rice. Step 4: Make Sauce Stir in ¼ cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter into the skillet, mixing until fully melted and blended. The combination will leave you with a luscious sauce that will coat the chicken and rice beautifully. Keep stirring until you achieve a smooth consistency, around 1-2 minutes. Step 5: Combine Ingredients Now, add 1 cup of long-grain white rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which will allow the flavors to meld. Step 6: Nestle Chicken Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer gently for 15–20 minutes. This step is crucial for cooking the rice thoroughly and absorbing all those heavenly flavors. Step 7: Add Peas If you’re incorporating frozen peas, fold them in carefully during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This step adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition to your one-pan honey butter garlic chicken & rice, brightening up the dish without needing much extra time. Step 8: Finish and Serve Once everything is cooked and the liquid has absorbed, fluff the rice with a fork for a light texture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve your one-pan honey butter garlic chicken & rice warm, and delight in the comforting combination of flavors that fills your home with warmth. Expert Tips for One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Perfect Seasoning: Always season your chicken thighs generously; it’s the key to enhancing the flavor in your one-pan honey butter garlic chicken & rice. Don’t Overcook Garlic: Sauté garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness, which can overpower the dish’s sweetness. Proper Rice Ratio: Maintain a 1:2 ratio of rice to chicken broth for fluffy rice; too little liquid will result in dry grains. Brown Rice Adjustments: If you opt for brown rice, use 2½ cups of broth and extend the cooking time to 35-40 minutes for best results. Cover While Cooking: Keep the lid on during simmering to ensure even cooking and prevent the rice from becoming mushy or unevenly cooked. Customize Wisely: Feel free to add veggies like frozen peas or bell peppers; just remember not to add them too early, or they may become mushy! How to Store and Freeze One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. This helps maintain freshness while keeping the chicken tender and the rice fluffy. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent ice crystals. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your one-pan honey butter garlic chicken & rice, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture while warming through. Thawing: For best results, thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight before reheating, but if you’re in a rush, you can microwave it straight from the freezer, just be sure to stir occasionally for even heating. What to Serve with One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice As your One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice takes center stage, complement it with colorful and flavorful sides for a complete meal experience. Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad made with mixed greens and cherry tomatoes adds a refreshing crunch that balances the dish’s richness. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttered garlic bread provides a delightful texture and is perfect for scooping up any remaining honey-butter goodness from your plate. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli introduces a pop of vibrant green and a nutritious boost, making your meal wholesome and satisfying. Roasted Carrots: Sweet, caramelized roasted carrots provide a lovely contrast in flavor and a hint of earthiness that pairs beautifully with the honey glaze. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts seasoned with a squeeze of lemon create a deliciously tangy element, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Lemonade: A chilled glass of homemade lemonade brings a refreshing zing that perfectly cuts through the richness of the honey-butter chicken. Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a silky chocolate mousse rounds out the meal with a sweet finish, making it a beautiful end to your dinner. One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Variations Feel free to make this delightful dish your own with these easy and tasty adjustments! Lean Chicken: Substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lighter meal. The dish still retains its juicy flavor, perfect for health-conscious eaters. Mixed Veggies: Toss in colorful vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or green beans for added crunch and nutrition. They contribute both texture and vibrancy, ensuring every bite feels fresh and inviting. Spicy Kick: Add heat with red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to ignite your taste buds. Spice seekers will love this fiery twist, adding a whole new layer to the honey-butter blend. Coconut Rice: Swap the chicken broth with coconut milk for a tropical flair. This twist infuses the rice with creamy richness, making your dish not just hearty but uniquely delicious. Herb Swap: Use fresh herbs like basil or cilantro instead of thyme for a fragrant upgrade. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish and introduce new flavor notes that will surprise your palate! Smokey Flavor: If you fancy a smokier touch, try using mesquite seasoning instead of smoked paprika. This subtle change adds depth and enhances the comfort food experience. Meal Prep Friendly: Double the recipe and freeze half for an effortless meal later; it will be just as flavorful when reheated. Think of it as a delicious home-cooked rescue on those busy days where you crave something comforting without the fuss! Feel inspired to play around with these variations. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with the comforting and delightful flavors of this one-pan wonder! If you need ideas for other one-pan meals, check out my Garlic Butter Chicken or Cowboy Butter Chicken for more heartwarming flavors. Make Ahead Options These delicious One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice meals are perfect for those looking to simplify dinner prep on busy nights! You can season the chicken thighs and refrigerate them up to 24 hours in advance, which helps enhance their flavor. The rice mixture can also be prepped in advance—simply assemble the rice, chicken broth, thyme, and paprika, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to cook, just sauté the garlic, make the sauce, combine everything, and finish by nesting the marinated chicken on top. This means you’ll enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort, just as delightful as if it were made fresh! One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe ingredients for this dish? Absolutely! When selecting chicken thighs, look for ones that are firm and have a bright pink color. Skin should appear moist but not slimy. For garlic, choose bulbs that are hard and without dark spots or sprouting. Fresh thyme should be vibrant and fragrant, while paprika should be rich in color without clumps. How should I store leftovers of One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice? For optimal freshness, cool the dish to room temperature and then transfer it into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice fluffy and moist. Can I freeze One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice? Yes, you can! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on low until warmed through. What should I do if the rice isn’t cooking properly? If you find your rice is undercooked or still hard after the designated cooking time, check the liquid levels. It’s beneficial to add a bit more broth or water, cover the pan again, and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. This could help the rice absorb the remaining liquid evenly! Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Very! The One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice recipe can easily be adapted for dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free. If you have a dairy allergy, you can substitute unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil for a similar richness without the dairy content. What if I want to add more veggies to the recipe? I often recommend adding up to 1 cup of quick-cooking veggies, such as bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli. Just sauté them for a few minutes before adding the rice to the pan. This will infuse the dish with additional nutrients and colors while still allowing for that quick cooking time! One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice A delightful and easy one-pan meal combining succulent chicken thighs, fluffy rice, and a honey-butter garlic glaze. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 pound Chicken Thighs Can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts.1 teaspoon Salt1 teaspoon PepperFor the Cooking Base2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can replace with vegetable oil.3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic or garlic powder can be used.For Flavor and Sweetness1/4 cup Honey Maple syrup can be an alternative.2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Margarine may be used as a dairy-free option.For the Rice and Liquid1 cup Long-Grain White Rice Can swap with brown rice but adjust liquid and cooking time.2 cups Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for a lighter version.Herbs and Spices1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Substitute with Italian seasoning or fresh thyme.1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can be used for a milder taste.For Color and Nutrition1 cup Frozen Peas Optional; can use quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers.For Garnish2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley To brighten the dish. Equipment Large skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsSeason both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Set aside.Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side.Reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.Stir in 1/4 cup honey and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter until melted and smooth.Add 1 cup long-grain white rice, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Cover and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes.If using, add frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesPerfect seasoning, don’t overcook garlic, and maintain proper rice to broth ratio for the best results. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
