Craving something comforting, flavorful, and quick to put together? This One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice delivers on all fronts. Imagine tender chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and savory honey butter sauce, nestled in a bed of fluffy, garlicky rice. Every bite is rich, balanced, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish is all cooked in a single pan—which means fewer dishes to wash and more time to relax. It’s hearty enough to satisfy, yet simple enough to become your new go-to dinner recipe.

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

Effortless Cleanup: One pan means less mess.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet, salty, garlicky, buttery.
Quick & Filling: Ready in under 45 minutes and deeply satisfying.
Family Favorite: Kid-approved, adult-adored.
Versatile: Swap chicken thighs for breasts, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Ingredients for the One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building layers of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These cook up tender and juicy, soaking in all the buttery, garlicky sauce.
White rice (uncooked): The rice cooks right in the pan, absorbing the chicken juices and sauce for maximum flavor.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds a punch of savory depth that defines this dish.
Honey: Brings a touch of sweetness that balances the salty and savory elements.
Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, velvety base for the sauce and helps everything brown beautifully.
Chicken broth: Used to cook the rice and infuse it with flavor.
Soy sauce: Adds umami and a bit of saltiness.
Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken and keeps it from sticking.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a burst of freshness and color at the end.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning.
Lemon slices (optional for garnish): Adds a bright citrusy finish.

How To Make the One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter and garlic. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to brown. Stir in the honey and soy sauce, creating a glaze.

Step 3: Add the Rice & Broth

Pour the uncooked rice into the skillet and stir it to coat with the sauce. Add chicken broth, then nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan.

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect

Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Let everything simmer for about 18-22 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Uncover, fluff the rice, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Garnish with lemon slices if using. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving and Storing One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

This recipe generously feeds about 4 people, making it ideal for families or small dinner gatherings. Serve it hot straight from the pan for maximum coziness. Leftovers reheat beautifully, with the flavors deepening even more by the next day.

To store, let the dish cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months — just thaw and reheat on the stove or microwave.

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

Steamed Broccoli

Its crisp texture and subtle bitterness balance the richness of the chicken.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Earthy, slightly caramelized sprouts complement the sweet-savory flavor.

Cucumber Salad

Cool, tangy cucumber salad cuts through the buttery sauce.

Garlic Green Beans

Echoes the garlic in the dish while adding freshness.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Adds a deep umami note that blends seamlessly with the chicken.

Fresh Garden Salad

Lightens the meal with crunchy greens and a citrus vinaigrette.

Crusty Bread

Perfect for soaking up any extra honey butter sauce.

Sparkling Lemon Water

A refreshing, palate-cleansing drink to serve alongside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work well, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out more quickly than thighs.

What kind of rice should I use?
Long grain white rice works best because it cooks evenly and absorbs flavor well. Avoid instant or quick-cooking rice.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day. Just store it properly and reheat before serving.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not inherently. If you’d like some heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add some spice or maybe a twist with herbs?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Conclusion

One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is comfort food at its finest—rich, savory, sweet, and easy to whip up on a weeknight. With its one-pan convenience and family-approved flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. Whether you’re hosting friends or just feeding your household, this dish delivers every time. Give it a try and don’t forget to share your version!