One Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice – Sweet, Savory, and Comforting

There’s something so deeply satisfying about a one-pan meal that brings everything you crave into a single skillet — tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a glossy sauce that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and buttery. This One Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is weeknight gold. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with the rich aroma of caramelized garlic and warm honey while keeping cleanup blissfully simple.

Imagine juicy bites of chicken coated in a buttery garlic glaze that soaks right into perfectly cooked rice. The sweetness of honey meets the deep umami of soy sauce and the richness of butter, creating that irresistible balance of flavors that keeps you coming back for another forkful. It’s a dish that tastes indulgent but comes together in less than an hour, all in one skillet.

This recipe was inspired by the kind of comfort food my family always loved — a cozy combination of tender meat and seasoned rice that felt like a hug on a plate. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a slow Sunday evening, this honey butter garlic chicken & rice delivers the kind of homemade warmth that makes everyone gather around the table.

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Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into chunks)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the honey garlic sauce: In the same pan, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Add the rice: Stir in the uncooked rice and coat it well with the honey garlic mixture. Let it toast for 1 minute to absorb flavor.
5. Add the broth: Pour in chicken broth, stir, and bring to a simmer. Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet.
6. Simmer to perfection: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
7. Rest and serve: Let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice, drizzle with any remaining pan sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.

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Why You’ll Love It

• All in one pan: Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Balanced flavor: Sweet honey, savory soy, buttery garlic — all perfectly in sync.
• Comfort food made easy: Feels special but takes minimal effort.
• Family-approved: Mild enough for kids, flavorful enough for adults.

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Tips & Tricks

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results — they stay tender even after simmering.
• To prevent soggy rice, let it rest covered after cooking so the steam redistributes evenly.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey before serving.
• Enhance the flavor by toasting the rice briefly before adding broth — it deepens the nutty aroma.

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Variations

• Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice: Swap chicken for shrimp and reduce cooking time.
• Vegetable Boost: Stir in chopped broccoli or peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Asian-Inspired: Add a dash of sesame oil and garnish with green onions.
• Citrus Twist: Add orange zest to the honey butter mixture for a brighter flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve straight from the skillet with a sprinkle of parsley and an extra drizzle of honey for shine. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted veggies. For a cozy dinner, add a wedge of lemon on the side for that last fresh squeeze.

If you’re hosting, serve it family-style — there’s something rustic and heartwarming about bringing the skillet right to the table, steam rising, the aroma of honey and garlic filling the air.

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Storage & Reheating

• Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water to rehydrate the rice.
• Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months — thaw overnight and reheat as above.

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FAQ

Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase broth to 2 ¾ cups and simmer for about 35–40 minutes.

Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Add 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap butter for vegan butter or olive oil — it will still be deliciously flavorful.

What kind of pan works best?
A deep, non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan with a lid works perfectly.

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The Cozy Story Behind the Dish

Honey butter and garlic might sound like an unlikely trio, but they’re a classic combination that feels like home cooking at its finest. This recipe came to life on a rainy weeknight — the kind where you crave something warm, sweet, and savory all at once. The kitchen filled with the smell of browning butter and garlic, and before long, that golden glaze was bubbling into the rice, turning simple ingredients into something unforgettable.

It’s the kind of dish that wins you over instantly — the one that gets “Can you make this again?” before dinner’s even done. A modern comfort meal with old-fashioned heart.