Save The first time I made this honey garlic chicken, my roommate kept wandering into the kitchen asking what smelled so good. By the time it was ready, wed both abandoned our original dinner plans and were eating straight from the pan with forks. Something about that sweet garlicky sauce hitting the hot pan creates this incredible aroma that fills the whole apartment.
Last winter my sister was recovering from surgery and I brought this over for dinner. She called me the next day asking for the recipe because her husband couldnt stop talking about it. Theres something about having vegetables, protein, and rice all together that makes it feel like proper comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs stay juicier but breasts work perfectly too
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Rinse it well until the water runs clear for fluffy results
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh is best but frozen works in a pinch
- 1 medium carrot: Adds sweetness and color that balances the garlic
- 3 green onions: Save some green tops for that pretty garnish at the end
- 3 tbsp honey: The glue that holds the whole sauce together
- 4 cloves garlic: Dont be shy with this part
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Regular soy sauce makes it too salty
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Cuts through the honey beautifully
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil gives more flavor
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: This becomes the cooking liquid for the rice
- Sesame seeds: Totally optional but they make it look restaurant worthy
Instructions
- Make the sauce:
- Whisk honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth
- Sear the chicken:
- Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil, then cook chicken pieces 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden
- Add rice and aromatics:
- Toss in rinsed rice, diced carrots, and most of the green onions, stirring to coat everything
- Add liquids:
- Pour in the sauce mixture and chicken broth, bring to a gentle bubble
- Simmer covered:
- Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and cook 15 minutes undisturbed
- Add broccoli:
- Lift lid quickly, scatter broccoli on top, replace lid and cook 8 to 10 minutes more
- Rest and serve:
- Remove from heat, let stand covered 5 minutes, fluff gently with a fork
Save This recipe became my go-to for new parents because its gentle on the stomach but feels special. Theres something about the combination of honey and garlic that just makes people feel cared for, you know
Making It Your Own
Snap peas and bell peppers work beautifully in this if you want to switch up the vegetables. I once threw in some baby corn and water chestnuts when I was craving takeout vibes and it was fantastic.
Spice It Up
Half a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce gives it a gentle kick that cuts the honey. My husband adds sriracha to his bowl at the table but I prefer building the heat right into the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc balances the sweetness perfectly. I also like serving this with simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar on extra busy weeknights.
- Extra sesame seeds on top make it feel fancy
- Fresh cilantro works if youre not a fan of green onions
- Lemon wedges on the side brighten everything up
Save Hope this becomes one of those recipes you make without even thinking about it.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, substitute brown rice for white rice. Increase the chicken broth to 2 1/2 cups and extend the simmering time to 35-40 minutes before adding the broccoli.
- → What other vegetables can I add?
Snap peas, bell peppers, or diced mushrooms work well. Add them along with the broccoli so they steam properly without becoming overcooked.
- → Can I make this spicier?
Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for gentle heat, or drizzle with sriracha when serving for extra kick.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this gluten-free. Double-check all ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to refresh the rice.