Ingredients:
For the Honey Garlic Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred for juicier meat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, for added warmth)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for a deeper, toasty flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce, optional)
- 2 tablespoons water (to mix with the cornstarch)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice for extra fragrance)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for more flavor)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt, to taste
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water (or chicken broth for more flavor). Add a pinch of salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for about 5 minutes, covered, to allow the rice to steam and become fluffy. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Optional Butter: For extra richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter once the rice is cooked and fluffed.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper. You can also add a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder if desired.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Add the Sauce Ingredients: To the skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), and grated ginger (if using). Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and become more flavorful.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Combine the Chicken with the Sauce:
Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Once the sauce has thickened, return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, coating it evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to absorb some of the sauce. If you like your chicken with a more glazed texture, you can cook the chicken in the sauce for a few more minutes, basting it occasionally.
5. Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken:
Plate the Dish: Serve the honey garlic chicken over the fluffy rice. Spoon the extra sauce from the skillet over the chicken and rice to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Garnish: Top the dish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro for added texture and flavor. The sesame seeds add a nice crunch, while the green onions and cilantro bring freshness to balance out the sweetness of the honey garlic sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Steamed Vegetables: Serve your honey garlic chicken with steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for a well-rounded, healthy meal.
- With Roasted Veggies: Roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus are also great side options to pair with this dish.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the honey garlic sauce and provides a refreshing contrast to the dish.
- With Noodles: For a change, serve the honey garlic chicken over noodles instead of rice. Lo mein or simple rice noodles work wonderfully with this sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken:
- Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you prefer a richer flavor and juicier chicken, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs. You will need to cook them longer, but they’ll be extra tender and flavorful.
- Customize the Sauce: You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by increasing or decreasing the amount of honey and soy sauce. For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
- Marinate the Chicken (Optional): If you have extra time, marinate the chicken in the honey garlic sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with even more flavor.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a punch of flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can also work in the sauce. However, fresh garlic will always give you the best taste.
- Make It Lighter: If you want a lighter version of this dish, you can use chicken breast without the skin and cook it in less oil. You can also substitute the honey with a lower-calorie sweetener, though it might alter the taste slightly.
Storage and Reheating:
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover honey garlic chicken and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken and sauce will continue to marinate in the fridge, making the flavors even more intense the next day.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the chicken and rice in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to the sauce to loosen it up, and cover the skillet to heat everything through. You can also microwave the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Final Thoughts:
Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice is a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, creating a satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family. The honey garlic sauce is the star of this dish, making the chicken tender and flavorful while complementing the fluffy rice perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this dish is quick, easy, and full of comforting flavors. Enjoy it with your favorite vegetables or side dish, and you’ll have a well-rounded meal that’s sure to become a favorite!