Print

Easy Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners

easy honey garlic chicken and rice recipe - featured image

A quick and easy honey garlic chicken with rice recipe that balances sweet and savory flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup (190g) long grain white rice or jasmine rice
  • 1/4 cup (85g) honey (raw or local preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (190g) of rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice with 1 1/2 cups (360ml) water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes to steam.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (85g) honey, 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs lightly with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pan and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Return chicken to the skillet, coat in sauce, cover, and cook for another 7-8 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
  6. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Serve chicken over rice, spooning extra sauce from the pan on top.
  7. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before searing to get a golden crust. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken. Can substitute chicken breasts but reduce cooking time to avoid drying out. Brown rice can be used but requires longer cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, chicken and rice, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, honey garlic sauce, simple chicken recipe