One-Pan Wonder: Decadent Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice for Effortless Flavor

One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

Introduction

If you crave a savory, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is your answer. The secret? Luscious honey-butter glaze, aromatic garlic, juicy chicken, and perfectly fluffy rice—all in one pan for easy cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

This family-style dish is sure to wow weeknight diners and impress at casual gatherings, without demanding hours in the kitchen. Your tastebuds will celebrate each forkful of buttery, sweet-savory goodness.

The Charm of One-Pan Cooking

What makes this recipe a standout is how it transforms simple pantry staples into something spectacular, thanks to the magic of one-pan cooking. Chicken thighs (or breasts), rice, and tender veggies absorb the rich, aromatic sauce as they cook together, making every bite deeply flavorful and comforting—no need for separate sides or a sink full of dishes.

Building Bold Flavors with the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze

The heart of this meal lies in its honey butter garlic sauce—melted butter, golden honey, and plenty of fresh garlic meld into a luscious coating for the chicken, deepening as it bakes into the rice. Use a Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet, Black for even cooking and caramelization, ensuring the glaze envelops each ingredient beautifully.

To perfectly mince your onions and chop your vegetables, try a reliable Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper—speed and uniformity make a big difference in how your dish cooks and comes together.

How to Make One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

Start by searing your chicken to a delectable golden-brown in melted butter. After briefly sautéing your aromatics, add uncooked rice, broth, and the indulgent honey butter garlic sauce. Everything bubbles in the same pan until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is fork-tender.

For perfect doneness, a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking takes out the guesswork. And, after serving, pack up leftovers with no mess using Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to keep the flavor fresh for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Serving and Enjoying Your Chicken & Rice

Garnish your finished chicken and rice with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onion for a pop of color and herbal freshness. This dish stands alone deliciously but pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or steamed veggies on the side.

Transport portions conveniently for work or school in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green—a practical solution that keeps your meal fresh and portable.

Nutrition and Servings

This hearty dish serves 4–6 people, offering a balanced meal of lean protein, whole grains, and just enough rich sauce for indulgence without overdoing it. Each serving contains about 450–550 calories, depending on your choice of chicken and any extra butter. A great fit for a satisfying, well-rounded dinner.

One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice (Recap)

In just one pan, you achieve juicy, flavor-packed chicken, aromatic fluffy rice, and a decadent honey butter glaze—all with minimal clean-up and prep. One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is the ultimate answer for busy nights, hungry crowds, or anytime you crave a comforting meal with standout flavor.

Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup long-grain white rice
– 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, or bell peppers)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
– Optional: chili flakes for heat, lemon wedges to serve

Instructions

  1. Heat a Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet, Black over medium-high. Melt 1 tablespoon butter, add chicken, and sear both sides until golden—about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  2. Lower heat to medium. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon butter, onion, and garlic. Sauté until softened (about 1–2 minutes).
  3. Stir in rice, letting it toast slightly for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, honey, salt, and pepper. Add mixed vegetables.
  4. Return chicken to pan, nestling it into the rice. Spoon some liquid and aromatics over the top.
  5. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F—check with your ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking).
  6. Remove from heat and let stand with lid on for 5 minutes. Fluff rice, garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve hot.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Enjoy a home-cooked meal that’s genuinely greater than the sum of its parts—and savor the simplicity of one-pan perfection!

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