Easy One Pot Honey Garlic

Sometimes you just crave a meal that brings deep savory flavor with hardly any mess or fuss. That is exactly what you get with this One Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice. I wanted something easy but bold after a long day and this dish delivers serious comfort with sticky honey-garlic sauce coating juicy chicken and rice that soaks everything up.

I whipped this up after a grocery run when I needed to impress my picky eaters but had no energy for complicated steps. Now it is my go-to for busy evenings that need some extra comfort and flavor boost.

Ingredients

• Bone in skin on chicken thighs: Essential for juicy results and golden crispy skin Always look for well trimmed thighs with plump skin
• Salt and black pepper: Key for seasoning every layer Choose freshly cracked pepper when possible
• Fried rice seasoning: Provides instant umami Choose a brand you like or blend your own from garlic powder onion powder and turmeric
• Smoked paprika: Adds smokiness and color Opt for a deep red Spanish style variety
• Salted butter: Rich base flavor and helps with browning Use good quality European butter if possible
• Long grain jasmine rice: Delicate aroma and fluffy texture Pick rice with a fresh scent and no broken pieces
• Water: Needed for perfect steaming of rice Use filtered water if possible
• Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base: Gives an extra depth of savory flavor Pick the reduced sodium version if watching salt
• Honey: Brings the sweet sticky glaze Use local or raw honey for floral flavor
• Soy sauce: Salty and savory backbone Choose naturally brewed soy sauce for best taste
• Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a little tang Unfiltered versions add more complexity
• Minced garlic: Jarlic for real garlicky kick Fresh garlic can be swapped if you prefer to mince by hand
• Red onion: Provides mellow sweetness Dice finely for even cooking
• Green onions: For fresh bite and color Use firm stalks without wilting
• Red pepper flakes: Little heat to balance the honey flavor Use more or less to taste
• Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds: For garnish adding crunch color and extra aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Season the Chicken:

Pat chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to help crisp the skin. Season generously on all sides with fried rice seasoning smoked paprika salt and pepper. Let them rest while prepping the other ingredients so the seasoning can soak in.

Sear the Chicken:

In a large heavy pan melt salted butter over medium to medium high heat. Place chicken thighs skin side down and let them sear undisturbed for about five minutes or until the skin is deep golden. Flip and brown the other side another five minutes. Transfer seared chicken to a plate and pour any remaining pan juices over as they rest.

Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce:

In a bowl whisk together honey soy sauce apple cider vinegar minced garlic red pepper flakes plus a pinch of salt and pepper Until smooth and glossy This is your flavor-packed glaze.

Build the Rice Base:

In the same pan with all those chicken drippings and flavor bits add diced red onion. Sauté over medium heat for around five minutes until soft and golden brown. Add green onion pieces and sauté a few minutes more until fragrant and softened. Stir in jasmine rice and sauté for five minutes to toast the grains and coat with butter and aromatics.

Stir in Chicken Base and Assemble:

Add Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base to the rice and mix thoroughly for a deep savory flavor. Pour in the water and bring everything to a boil over medium high heat.

Nestle and Bake:

Arrange the seared chicken thighs into the simmering rice. Pour any resting juices from the plate into the pan. Cover tightly and transfer the whole pan to a 400 degree oven. Bake for thirty five to forty minutes until chicken is fully cooked and rice is tender and fluffy.

Finish and Serve:

Remove pan from oven. Uncover and let the dish stand for three to five minutes so steam settles. Top generously with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for fresh bite and a little crunch. Serve straight from the pan for ultimate ease.

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You Must Know

• Chicken thighs are forgiving and stay juicy
• This dish creates its own sauce as it cooks
• Great leftover potential for busy lunches

The honey in this dish gives everything a sweet sticky glaze that almost turns the rice into a golden coating My family loves when the bottom bits get crisp I remember when my niece declared this better than takeout while licking sticky sauce from her fingers

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Storage Tips

Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water so the rice softens up again If freezing let everything cool first then pack in single portions for up to two months

Ingredient Substitutions

No chicken thighs Use bone in chicken drumsticks or split breasts Want it vegetarian Swap the chicken for tofu and use vegetable bouillon Love more veggies Toss in snap peas or sweet bell peppers before baking Gluten free Use tamari instead of soy sauce

Serving Suggestions

This hearty dish stands alone but is also wonderful with a crisp cucumber salad or quick sautéed greens For extra bulk serve alongside steamed edamame or top with fried eggs for a double protein punch

Cultural or Historical Context

Inspired by classic Asian honey garlic chicken dishes this one pot method brings the bold sauce to home cooks in a cozy family meal. The mix of sweet savory and a tiny bit of heat is a classic in Asian cuisine and the all in one rice approach makes it a weeknight star

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs deliver the juiciest flavor and keep the meat moist throughout baking, but boneless thighs can be used for a quicker meal.

→ Can I use a different rice variety?

Jasmine rice provides a lightly fragrant base, but you can substitute with other long-grain rice varieties, adjusting liquid and cooking time if needed.

→ How do I ensure the rice doesn't stick?

Stirring the rice in butter before adding water helps coat each grain, reducing sticking. Always use a pan with a tight-fitting lid and let it rest after baking.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Store leftovers in airtight containers. Reheat gently to maintain moisture, and add a splash of water if needed to refresh the rice.

→ Can I make it less sweet?

For a less pronounced honey flavor, reduce the honey quantity or increase the soy sauce and vinegar for a tangier taste balance.

→ What garnishes can I add?

Top with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for color, crunch, and a hint of nuttiness right before serving.