Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice
Sweet, savory, sticky, and incredibly comforting, this Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice is the kind of easy dinner that quickly becomes a family favorite. Tender shredded chicken is coated in a rich honey garlic sauce and served over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal packed with bold flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep lunches, easy dinner ideas, comfort food cravings, and homemade takeout nights, this recipe combines simple ingredients with restaurant-style flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water for cornstarch slurry
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 green onions sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- 1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions and fluff with a fork once tender.
- 2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- 3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides and fully cooked through.
- 4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily.
- 5. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 6. Stir in honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Mix well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- 7. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly pour the slurry into the skillet while stirring continuously.
- 8. Allow the sauce to simmer until thickened and glossy.
- 9. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat thoroughly with the sauce.
- 10. Shred the chicken using two forks directly in the skillet and stir so every piece absorbs the sauce.
- 11. Add lime juice and red pepper flakes if desired for extra flavor.
- 12. Spoon rice into serving bowls and top generously with the honey garlic chicken.
- 13. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts and create more flavorful shredded chicken.
For extra sauce, double the honey garlic mixture and simmer slightly longer before serving.
Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor and should not be skipped if possible.
Nutrition
Serving: 1bowlCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 38gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 890mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16g
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