One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice is one of those meals that instantly fills the kitchen with the kind of aroma that makes everyone wander in asking, “What’s cooking?” I made this dish on a busy evening when I wanted something comforting but simple, and it quickly became a favorite.
The sweet scent of honey warming in the pan blends beautifully with garlic and soy sauce, while the gentle heat from chili flakes adds just the right amount of kick.
What I love most about this One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is how everything cooks together in a single skillet. The chicken becomes perfectly seared and juicy, while the rice absorbs every drop of that sweet, spicy, garlicky sauce.
As the rice cooks in the broth and sauce mixture, it takes on incredible flavor, creating a dish that feels rich and satisfying without needing a lot of extra steps.
Key Ingredients in One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
When I first prepared One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice, I realized that its magic really comes from a handful of simple but well-balanced ingredients.
For the Chicken: • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 tablespoon butter • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika • ½ teaspoon chili flakes or crushed red pepper
For the Sauce: • ⅓ cup honey • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for added heat)
For the Rice: • 1 cup uncooked jasmine or long-grain white rice • 2 cups chicken broth (or water mixed with bouillon) • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for flavoring the rice)
Optional Garnish: • Extra chili flakes or pink peppercorns • Thinly sliced green onions
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One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is a flavorful skillet meal made with tender chicken, honey, garlic, soy sauce, chili flakes, and rice simmered in savory broth. This easy one-pan dinner delivers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken: • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 tablespoon butter • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika • ½ teaspoon chili flakes or crushed red pepper
For the Sauce: • ⅓ cup honey • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for added heat)
For the Rice: • 1 cup uncooked jasmine or long-grain white rice • 2 cups chicken broth (or water mixed with bouillon) • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for flavoring the rice)
Optional Garnish: • Extra chili flakes or pink peppercorns • Thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili flakes.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet in a single layer and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until it is browned and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, and sriracha. Pour this sauce mixture into the same skillet and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, until it begins to thicken slightly.
Stir the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and one tablespoon of soy sauce into the skillet with the sauce. Mix everything well to coat the rice.
Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it on top of the rice. Spoon a little bit of the sauce over the chicken. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. It is important not to lift the lid while it is cooking.
After the cooking time, uncover the pan and let it sit on low heat for another 3 to 4 minutes. This allows the rice at the bottom to become slightly crisp and the glaze to reduce further.
Sprinkle extra chili flakes or pink peppercorns on top for heat and color. Serve hot straight from the skillet, optionally garnished with sliced green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
For dessert, I often follow this meal with something lightly sweet like Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins or even a slice of Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cake, which complements the One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken perfectly.
How to One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Step-by-Step
-Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili flakes until each piece is evenly coated.
-Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in a single layer and sear it for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until it becomes golden and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
-In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, and sriracha until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
-Pour the sauce into the same skillet and let it simmer gently for about 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce should start to thicken slightly and become fragrant.
-Stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and one tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix everything well so the rice is evenly coated with the flavorful liquid.
-Return the seared chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice. Spoon a little sauce over the chicken pieces.
-Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and allow everything to simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice becomes tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
-Remove the lid and let the pan sit on low heat for another 3 to 4 minutes so the glaze thickens and the rice develops a slight crisp texture at the bottom.
-Finish by sprinkling chili flakes or pink peppercorns on top and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
I often serve One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken with a fresh salad like Parmesan Tahini Kale Salad, which adds a bright and slightly tangy contrast to the rich chicken and rice.
One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Nutrition Facts
- Calories: approximately 480 kcal per serving
- Protein: about 32 g
- Carbohydrates: about 45 g
- Fat: about 18 g
- Sugar: about 16 g
- Sodium: about 780 mg
- Fiber: about 2 g
One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? | Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Add about ½ cup extra broth and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. |
| Is this One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken recipe very spicy? | The spice level is moderate. You can reduce or omit the chili flakes and sriracha if you prefer a milder dish. |
| Can I prepare this One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken ahead of time? | Yes. It reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. |
| What vegetables can I add to the One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken? | Broccoli, bell peppers, peas, or carrots work very well and can be added during the rice cooking stage. |
| Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? | Absolutely. Chicken thighs remain very juicy and add extra richness to the dish. |
Conclusion
After making One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice, I understood why simple one-pan meals are so satisfying. The chicken turns tender and flavorful, the rice soaks up the sweet and savory sauce, and the entire dish comes together with very little effort. It is the kind of comforting recipe that quickly becomes part of a regular dinner rotation.
Looking for inspiration? Visit Elise Chef on Pinterest to explore beautifully curated high-fiber recipes and discover your next healthy habit.