One Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice – A Sweet and Savory Weeknight Wonder
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dinner that comes together in one pan — minimal dishes, maximum flavor, and that comforting aroma that fills your kitchen. One Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is one of those magical recipes that combines the richness of honey butter, the savory kick of garlic, and tender chicken nestled into perfectly seasoned rice.
This dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with each bite offering a cozy, homestyle flavor that feels like a hug in a bowl. Ready in under an hour, this simple meal delivers restaurant-level satisfaction using everyday ingredients.
The Magic of Honey Butter Garlic
Honey butter garlic sauce might just be one of the most beloved flavor combinations ever. It’s the golden trio of sweetness, richness, and savoriness — each element enhancing the other to create pure comfort.
- Honey brings a touch of natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- Butter adds velvety richness and depth.
- Garlic cuts through with its bold aroma and flavor, keeping the sauce balanced and crave-worthy.
When simmered together, these three ingredients form a sticky, glossy glaze that clings perfectly to juicy chicken and seeps into the rice below. The result? A one-pan dinner that’s both indulgent and wholesome.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Everything cooks in one pan – fewer dishes and maximum flavor.
- Perfectly balanced flavors – sweet, garlicky, buttery, and savory all in one bite.
- Family-friendly – kids and adults both love this dish.
- Meal-prep friendly – reheats beautifully for lunches.
- Customizable – use chicken thighs, breasts, or even shrimp!
Ingredients
For the chicken and rice:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
For the honey butter garlic sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
Instructions
- Season the chicken:
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. - Sear to perfection:
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside. - Make the honey butter garlic sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir and simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. - Add the rice:
Stir the uncooked rice into the sauce, coating each grain with the honey butter mixture. - Add liquids and simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Stir gently to combine, then nestle the chicken pieces back into the pan on top of the rice. - Cook it all together:
Cover and simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. - Finish with flavor:
Remove the lid and check the consistency — if the sauce seems too thin, let it cook uncovered for a few minutes to reduce. Sprinkle with parsley and drizzle a bit more honey on top for shine. - Serve warm:
Serve the chicken directly over the buttery rice, spooning the extra glaze from the bottom of the pan over each piece.
One Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden; remove and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Add uncooked rice and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Pour in chicken broth and soy sauce. Nestle chicken pieces on top.
- Cover and simmer on low for 20–25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Remove lid, garnish with parsley, and drizzle extra honey if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Use long-grain rice: It cooks up fluffy and separate, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the garlic: Burnt garlic can make the dish bitter.
- Adjust sweetness: Add extra soy sauce if you prefer a saltier balance.
- Rest before serving: Let the pan sit covered for 5 minutes off the heat to help the rice finish steaming.
- Double the sauce: It’s so good, you’ll want extra for drizzling!
Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken & Rice: Add 1 tsp of sriracha or chili paste for heat.
- Lemon Garlic Honey Version: Swap vinegar for lemon juice and add lemon zest for brightness.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Stir in peas, carrots, or broccoli in the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream or coconut milk before serving for a velvety texture.
Serving Suggestions
This One Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice stands beautifully on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- A side salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or asparagus
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots
- A cool glass of iced tea or citrus water
Meal Prep and Storage
- Store: Cool completely and refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of chicken broth to revive the rice.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Why This Dish Works So Well
This dish combines everything we love about comfort food — a sticky, garlicky sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice — in one convenient pan. The rice soaks up the honey butter and chicken juices, giving it an incredible depth of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once and keep in your rotation forever.
The secret is balance: the sweetness of honey meets the savory umami of soy sauce and the rich aroma of garlic. Every bite feels indulgent yet wholesome, and the ease of cleanup is just the icing on the cake.
The Joy of One-Pan Meals
Life is busy — but that doesn’t mean dinner has to be complicated. One-pan meals like this are lifesavers for busy families or anyone craving a hearty home-cooked dinner without the fuss. From skillet lasagnas to baked casseroles, the concept is simple: layer your ingredients, cook them together, and let the flavors meld into something delicious.
One Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is the perfect example — a meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for guests.
Final Thoughts
If you love dishes that deliver comfort, simplicity, and big flavor, this Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is about to become your new go-to. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something memorable — just a single pan, a few good ingredients, and the magic of honey butter garlic.
Serve it fresh from the skillet, watch your family dive in, and enjoy the kind of meal that always earns seconds.
