Few dishes strike the perfect balance between ease and indulgence quite like this One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice. Juicy chicken bites caramelized in a sticky, savory-sweet honey garlic glaze, nestled atop fluffy jasmine rice—this is comfort food elevated. It’s got just the right amount of buttery richness, a garlicky kick, and a mild sweetness that lingers on your palate. Plus, it all comes together in one pan, which means less mess and more flavor.

Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and surprisingly wholesome. The jasmine rice absorbs every drop of the chicken broth and glaze, creating a rich, satisfying base that perfectly complements the tender, glazed chicken. This is the kind of meal that makes you pause after the first bite—and then dive back in for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

One pan, zero stress: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes and more flavor layering.
Perfectly balanced glaze: The honey butter garlic sauce strikes that sweet-umami balance that’s utterly addictive.
Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, and easy to tweak if you want a little spice or extra veggies.
Weeknight wonder: Ready in under 40 minutes, but tastes like it simmered all day.
Meal prep gold: Makes great leftovers, and reheats like a dream.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

(Essential Tools and Equipment, and the Importance of Each Tool)

Creating One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice doesn’t demand a fancy kitchen setup—just the right tools and a bit of prep. Here’s what you’ll need to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable:

Large Nonstick Skillet or Sauté Pan with Lid: This is the heart of the recipe. A deep, wide skillet allows for even cooking and helps the rice absorb the broth without burning or sticking. The lid is crucial for steaming the rice to perfection.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: For cleanly cubing chicken into even pieces, ensuring they cook evenly and stay tender.
Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for prepping your chicken and optional herbs or garnishes.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your nonstick pan and for evenly spreading the honey butter glaze.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key with ingredients like honey and broth to get the perfect sauce consistency.
Fine Mesh Strainer: To rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly, removing excess starch and helping it cook up light and fluffy.

These basic tools turn a potentially chaotic cooking experience into a relaxed, enjoyable one.

Preparation Tips

Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate and soak up the glaze evenly.
Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, which helps prevent gummy or sticky rice.
Let the chicken sear without moving it too much. This creates a caramelized surface that locks in flavor and texture.
Warm the honey slightly before adding it to the pan—it blends more smoothly and disperses evenly through the sauce.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, brown the chicken in batches to get that perfect sear.
Fresh garlic over pre-minced. Using freshly minced garlic intensifies the aroma and brings out the true flavor profile of the dish.

Ingredients for One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

This flavorful dish comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of savory, sweet, and buttery deliciousness.

Main Ingredients:

2 cups chicken broth
Forms the base for cooking the rice, infusing it with rich flavor.
1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
Fragrant and light, jasmine rice perfectly absorbs the broth and sauce.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
Tender and juicy, chicken provides the protein centerpiece of the dish.
2 tablespoons butter
Adds richness and helps create the honey garlic glaze.
1/4 cup honey
Provides natural sweetness that balances the garlic and enhances the sauce.
4 garlic cloves, minced
Fragrant and savory, garlic is the star flavor of the glaze.
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Adds umami and deepens the glaze with a salty balance.
1 tablespoon olive oil
Used to sear the chicken and kick off the cooking process.
Salt and pepper to taste
Brings out the full flavor of each component.

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Adds freshness and a pop of color.
Red pepper flakes
A dash for those who love a hint of heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

This meal comes together quickly and easily—perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat. Let’s walk through each step to get perfectly tender chicken and fluffy, flavor-packed rice.

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the cubed chicken, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sear until golden brown on all sides—about 5–7 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. (It will finish cooking later with the rice.)

Step 2: Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
Once melted, stir in the minced garlic (4 cloves) and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Pour in 1/4 cup honey and 2 tablespoons soy sauce, stirring to combine and form a rich, glossy sauce.

Step 3: Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rinsed jasmine rice (1 cup), making sure it’s evenly coated with the glaze.
Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, gently stirring again to blend flavors.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Return Chicken & Simmer

Nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the skillet on top of the rice.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the broth.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes—this final steam step ensures perfect rice texture.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions. Add red pepper flakes if desired for a spicy finish.

Notes

Rice Type Matters: Jasmine rice is preferred because of its fragrant aroma and soft, fluffy texture. Substituting with long-grain or brown rice will require adjusting liquid and cook time.
Glaze Consistency: If your honey garlic glaze seems too thin after mixing, let it simmer for an extra minute before adding the rice to help it thicken slightly.
Chicken Cut Options: Chicken thighs will give a richer, juicier texture, while breasts are leaner and a bit firmer—choose based on your preference.
Make it Spicy: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili paste into the honey glaze if you like a sweet-spicy profile.
Double the Batch: This recipe easily scales up—just use a larger pan and ensure there’s room for even rice cooking.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the Rice Rinse: Rinsing jasmine rice removes surface starch, which prevents clumping and makes the rice fluffier. Skipping this step can result in sticky, gummy rice.
Overcrowding the Chicken While Searing: Adding all the chicken at once can cause it to steam instead of sear. Work in batches if needed to get that golden crust.
Lifting the Lid Too Soon: Once the rice is simmering, resist the urge to peek! Steam is key for fully cooked, fluffy rice.
Too High Heat While Simmering: If the heat is too high, the broth will evaporate too quickly, and the rice might burn before it’s cooked.
Not Letting It Rest: That final 5-minute covered rest helps the rice finish steaming and settle—don’t skip it!
Adding Garlic Too Early: Garlic cooks fast—add it once the butter is melted and only sauté it for 30 seconds to avoid burning.

What to Serve With One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice?

This dish is rich, savory, and slightly sweet—so it pairs beautifully with sides that offer contrast, freshness, or complementary textures. Whether you’re planning a full dinner spread or just want to round out the plate, here are some tasty ideas.

8 Recommendations

1. Steamed Broccoli

The clean, green bite of broccoli balances the buttery richness of the dish. Add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flair.

2. Crisp Garden Salad

A mix of lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, glazed chicken and rice.

3. Pickled Vegetables

Quick-pickled carrots, radish, or cucumber add brightness and a touch of acidity to cut through the glaze’s sweetness.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Tossed with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then roasted until crispy—these bring a nutty depth that works well with the dish’s honey tones.

5. Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic

Lightly sautéed green beans offer both crunch and garlic synergy that ties in with the chicken’s flavors.

6. Cucumber Yogurt Salad (Raita Style)

A chilled side with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and mint helps cool the palate, especially if you spice up your chicken with chili flakes.

7. Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls

For an Asian-inspired fusion, pair the dish with crispy vegetable egg rolls or spring rolls on the side.

8. Lemon Herb Asparagus

Lightly steamed or roasted asparagus tossed in lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs adds elegance and freshness to the meal.

Storage Instructions

One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it to maintain its flavor and texture.

Refrigeration

Storage Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Best Practice: Let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring to containers to prevent moisture buildup and sogginess.
Reheating: Warm in a microwave-safe dish, covered loosely, on medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth before reheating to prevent the rice from drying out. Stir halfway through for even heating.

Freezing

Freezer Safe? Yes. You can freeze for up to 2 months.
How to Freeze: Place in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags (flattened for easy stacking). Label with the date.
Reheating from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little broth to refresh the rice’s moisture.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving – based on 4 servings total)

Note: Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Calories: ~475 kcal
Protein: 29g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Sugars: 11g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 650mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s clear up any questions you might still have about making or modifying One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice. Whether it’s substitutions or troubleshooting, this section has you covered.

1. Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but it requires a longer cooking time (about 40–45 minutes) and slightly more liquid. You may also need to keep the pan covered the entire time to ensure even cooking.

2. Is it okay to use frozen chicken?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even searing and to avoid excess moisture that can affect the glaze and rice texture.

3. What can I use instead of honey?

Maple syrup or agave nectar are good alternatives. They provide similar sweetness and work well in the glaze without overpowering the garlic.

4. Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the butter for a plant-based version like vegan butter or even a bit more olive oil. The flavor may slightly change, but the dish will still be delicious.

5. Why did my rice turn out mushy?

This can happen if the rice wasn’t rinsed properly or if too much liquid was added. Stick to the 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio and keep the lid sealed while cooking.

6. How do I make it spicier?

You can stir in red pepper flakes, a drizzle of sriracha, or a touch of chili paste into the glaze while cooking. Adjust to your heat preference.

7. Can I add vegetables to the pan?

Yes! Diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach can be stirred in with the rice and broth. Just avoid overly watery vegetables, which may alter the rice’s texture.

8. Is it safe to reheat more than once?

It’s best to reheat only what you plan to eat. Reheating multiple times can dry out the rice and alter the chicken’s texture. Store in single-portion containers if possible.

Conclusion

One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is a flavor-packed, hassle-free dish that delivers serious comfort with minimal cleanup. From the sticky-sweet glaze to the garlicky depth and perfectly cooked rice, every bite feels satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for the family, prepping meals for the week, or just want a one-skillet dinner that tastes like a treat—this recipe is your new go-to.