Honey Garlic Chicken Broccoli Rice

When the weeknight rush hits, this One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Broccoli Rice is the ultimate kitchen hero. It brings all the savory, sweet flavors of your favorite takeout directly to your table with the ease of a single skillet. Tender pieces of chicken, crisp broccoli, and fluffy rice are simmered together in a rich, garlicky sauce that perfectly balances honey and soy. It is a wholesome, balanced dinner that ensures everyone leaves the table satisfied without a mountain of dishes left behind.

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The magic of this dish lies in the simmering process. By cooking the rice directly with the chicken and the sauce, every grain absorbs the deep aromatics of garlic and sesame oil. Adding the broccoli at the very end ensures it stays vibrant and crisp, providing a fresh contrast to the hearty chicken and rice base.

Ingredients

• Protein & Grains: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces), 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice (rinsed).
• Vegetables: 2 cups (175 g) broccoli florets, 1 medium carrot (peeled and diced), 3 green onions (sliced, reserve some for garnish).
• Sauce: 3 tbsp honey, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper.
• Liquids: 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth.
• Garnish (optional): 1 tbsp sesame seeds, sliced green onions.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then add chicken pieces. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden; they do not need to be fully cooked through.

Step 3: Combine Bases

Add rinsed rice, carrots, and most of the green onions to the pan. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer

Pour the sauce and chicken broth into the pan, mixing well. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Steam Broccoli

After 15 minutes, quickly lift the lid and scatter broccoli florets evenly over the rice. Do not stir. Replace the lid and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork and serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and reserved green onions.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best texture, ensure you rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until it runs clear; this removes excess starch and prevents the dish from becoming gummy. If using chicken breasts instead of thighs, be careful not to over-sear them in the second step to keep the meat juicy. Using a deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid is essential for the steaming process.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily adapt this recipe for different dietary needs or preferences. To use brown rice, increase the broth to 2 1/2 cups and simmer for 35-40 minutes before adding the broccoli. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add 1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also increase the vegetable count by adding snap peas or bell peppers along with the carrots.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this dish while it is steaming hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions for a pop of color and crunch. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the richness of the honey-garlic sauce. For a full takeout experience, serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad.

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This One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Broccoli Rice is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It offers the perfect marriage of convenience and flavor, proving that you don't need multiple pots and pans to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, brown rice works well but requires more liquid and longer cooking time. Increase the broth to 2 1/2 cups and simmer for 35-40 minutes before adding the broccoli.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

The dish can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Double-check all your labels, especially the soy sauce and chicken broth.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Snap peas, bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms work wonderfully. Add harder vegetables like carrots with the rice, and quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas when you add the broccoli.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the rice.

→ Can I make this spicy?

For a kick of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture, or serve with sriracha on the side.

→ What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay more tender during simmering, but chicken breasts work perfectly too. Just cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking.