Easy One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice, a Disaster

Okay, picture this: it’s 6 PM on a Tuesday. The kids are screaming, you’re starving, and the thought of tackling a sink full of dishes? Forget about it! That’s when my One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice swoops in to save the day. Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver.

I’m all about meals that are quick, easy, and don’t leave me with a mountain of pots and pans to clean. This one-pan wonder delivers on all fronts! The chicken gets all juicy and flavorful thanks to the honey butter garlic sauce (trust me, it’s *amazing*), and the rice cooks right alongside, soaking up all those yummy flavors. It’s seriously the best combination.

I remember one night, my husband was working late, and I had zero energy to cook. I threw this One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice together in, like, 10 minutes flat, and even my picky eaters devoured it. They were all like, “Mom, this is restaurant-worthy!” That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper. So, if you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and stress-free dinner solution, you’ve come to the right place!

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

Seriously, what’s *not* to love? This One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is gonna be your new go-to, I just know it. Here’s why:

• Super Easy Prep: We’re talking minimal chopping and stirring – that’s it!
• Quick Cooking Time: Dinner’s on the table in about 35 minutes. Boom!
• One-Pan Wonder: Hello, easy cleanup! Everything cooks together in one skillet. My favorite part is not having to wash a million dishes afterward!
• Flavor Explosion: That honey butter garlic sauce? It’s a total game-changer. Sweet, savory, and garlicky all in one!
• Family Approved: Even picky eaters will gobble this up. It’s total comfort food!

Ingredients for One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this heavenly One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty basic stuff!

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain rice (I usually use Jasmine, but whatever you have works!)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons honey (the good stuff!)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you’re a garlic fiend like me!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish. Makes it look all fancy!

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

Okay, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry – it’s super simple! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice on the table in no time.

1. Preheat the oven: First things first, let’s get that oven cranked up to 375°F (190°C). This is important, don’t skip this step!
2. Sear the chicken: Grab a large oven-safe skillet (I use my cast iron – it works great!). Heat up that olive oil over medium-high heat. Now, season those chicken thighs with salt and pepper – don’t be shy! Sear the chicken in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re nice and browned. We’re not cooking them all the way through just yet, just getting some color on ’em. Take the chicken out and set it aside.
3. Toast the rice: Add the rice to the skillet. Cook it for about a minute, stirring constantly. This just kinda toasts the rice a bit and gives it a nutty flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference!
4. Add the good stuff: Now, pour in the chicken broth, honey, butter, and garlic. Stir it all together until that butter melts. Mmm, that smells amazing already, doesn’t it?
5. Chicken on top!: Place those seared chicken thighs right on top of the rice mixture. Nestled in there, cozy as can be.
6. Bake it!: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid (or foil if you don’t have a lid). Pop it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is cooked through and the chicken is cooked to an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, just cut into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure there’s no pink. Careful, it’s hot!.
7. Let it rest: Once it’s done, take the skillet out of the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This lets the rice absorb any extra liquid and the chicken to rest and get all juicy.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot and enjoy!

See? Easy peasy! This One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice is pretty much foolproof. Now go make some magic happen in the kitchen!

Tips for the Best One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

Want to take your One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice to the next level? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make sure it turns out perfectly every time! These tips saved my bacon more than once, so listen up!

• Keep an eye on the rice: Ovens can be finicky, y’know? If the rice seems too dry before the chicken is done, add a splash (like, ¼ cup) of extra broth. And if it’s too wet when the chicken’s cooked, just remove the lid for the last few minutes of baking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure the chicken thighs aren’t crammed together. Space them out a bit so they can brown properly. If you’re doubling the recipe, use two separate pans (or a *really* big one!).
• Use a meat thermometer!: Seriously, it takes the guesswork out of knowing if the chicken’s done. Aim for 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. No thermometer? Just cut into it – no pink should be showing!

Variations for Your One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice (woohoo!), but what if you’re feeling a little adventurous? I’ve got you covered! This recipe is super versatile. Here are a few easy ways to mix it up to keep things interesting. Who knows, you might even invent a new favorite!

• Veggie power!: Toss in some broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or bell peppers along with the rice. They’ll cook right alongside everything else, adding extra nutrients and flavor. Check out this garlic butter chicken and broccoli idea if you want even more ideas!
• Spice it up!: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey butter garlic sauce for a little kick. Or, try using different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more savory vibe.
• Chicken swap: Not a fan of chicken thighs? No worries! You can use chicken breasts instead. Just cut them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly with the rice. Shrimp would be yummy, too!

Serving Suggestions for One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

Alright, so you’ve got your amazing One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice ready to go! Now, what to serve with it? Honestly, it’s pretty great on its own, but a little something extra never hurts, right? Here are some of my favorite sides to round out the meal:

• A light and refreshing side salad. Something with a vinaigrette dressing would be perfect!
• Steamed green beans or broccoli. Easy and healthy!
• Crusty bread for sopping up all that delicious sauce. Mmm!

FAQ About One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

Got questions about my One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice? I bet you do! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, along with my super-helpful answers. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You *can*, but it’ll change things up a bit! Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the cooking time – probably by at least 15-20 minutes. You’ll also need to add extra liquid (about ½ cup) to the pan so it doesn’t dry out. Be sure to check the rice frequently to make sure it’s not getting too dry or burning. Honestly, I prefer this recipe with white rice, but brown rice can work in a pinch!

Can I substitute chicken breasts for the chicken thighs?

Sure thing! Just cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly. I like chicken thighs because they stay super juicy, but breast meat works just fine, too. Since they cook faster, I check for doneness five minutes sooner than I usually would.

Can I make this One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice ahead of time?

Yep! You sure can. It’s great for meal prepping! Just cook it according to the recipe, then let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop. You might need to add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it moist. Who am I kidding, that’s what I always do!

Storage and Reheating One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice

Got leftovers of this amazing One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken & Rice? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep it fresh and reheat it like a pro. You absolutely don’t want that delciousness going to waste!

• Storage: Let the chicken and rice cool completely. Then, pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for 3-4 days. I use these glass containers I got from Amazon – they’re the best!
• Reheating: The microwave is your friend here! Just nuke it for a few minutes until heated through. Or, for extra-crispy chicken, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water. Yum!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just gotta say, these nutrition facts are just estimates! They can totally change depending on the brands and ingredients you use. So, take ’em with a grain of salt (or, you know, a pat of honey butter!).

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