Introduction to Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Rice
As a busy mom, I know how challenging it can be to whip up a meal that pleases everyone. That’s why I adore this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Rice. It’s a delightful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy sauce, all served over creamy jasmine rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your loved ones. Plus, it’s simple enough to make even on the busiest of days, bringing joy to your table without the stress!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Rice
This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Rice is a lifesaver for busy evenings. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 40 minutes from start to finish. The flavors are a delightful dance of sweet and savory, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, the velvety rice soaks up the delicious sauce, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Rice
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Rice. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
- Soy sauce: This brings a salty depth, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Unsalted butter: It adds richness and a velvety texture to the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.
- Fresh ginger: A touch of grated ginger gives a warm, zesty kick.
- Jasmine rice: This fragrant rice is the perfect base, offering a soft, fluffy texture.
- Chicken broth: Using broth instead of water elevates the flavor of the rice.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken to perfection.
- Chopped green onions: These add a fresh crunch and vibrant color as a garnish.
- Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of these adds a nutty flavor and a lovely visual touch.
For those looking to spice things up, consider adding red pepper flakes to the honey garlic mixture. If you prefer chicken breasts, feel free to swap them in for the thighs. And don’t worry about leftovers; they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can find the exact measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Mixture
Start by whisking together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. This mixture is the heart of your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Rice. The sweet honey and savory soy sauce create a perfect balance, while the garlic and ginger add depth. Set this aside, letting the flavors meld together while you prepare the chicken.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Next, season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step enhances the flavor of the chicken, ensuring every bite is delicious. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s the foundation of your dish!
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is bubbling, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Sear them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step locks in the juices, making your chicken tender and flavorful. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in your prepared honey garlic mixture. Bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This is where the magic happens! The sauce will become rich and glossy, ready to coat your chicken in sweet, savory goodness.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, ensuring they are well-coated in the luscious sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The chicken will absorb the sauce, making it even more delicious. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until it melts, adding a velvety finish.
Step 6: Cook the Rice
While the chicken is cooking, rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, ensuring fluffy rice. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. The rice will absorb the broth, becoming tender and flavorful.
Step 7: Serve the Dish
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and serve it on plates. Top each serving with the honey garlic butter chicken, drizzling extra sauce over the top. For a pop of color and flavor, garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Rice is now ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Success
- Always taste your sauce before serving; adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking for juicier meat.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey garlic mixture for an hour before cooking.
- Keep an eye on the rice; it can go from perfect to mushy quickly!
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet: A non-stick skillet works wonders for easy cooking and cleanup.
- Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking the jasmine rice; a pot with a lid will do.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending the honey garlic mixture; a fork can also work.
- Measuring cups: Handy for precise ingredient measurements; use any standard measuring tools.
Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the honey garlic mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth for the rice.
- Herb-Infused Rice: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the jasmine rice for an aromatic twist.
- Honey Mustard Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard with the honey garlic sauce for a tangy flavor.
- One-Pan Meal: Toss in some colorful veggies like bell peppers or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed Vegetables: Pair your dish with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a nutritious boost.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken.
- Wine Pairing: Enjoy a glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, to enhance the flavors.
- Presentation: Serve on a colorful plate, garnished with extra green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful touch.
FAQs about Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Rice
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! While I love the tenderness of chicken thighs, chicken breasts can be a great substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as breasts may cook faster.
How can I make this dish gluten-free? To keep your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Rice gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. It offers the same savory flavor without the gluten.
Can I prepare the honey garlic sauce in advance? Yes! You can whisk together the honey garlic mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using it in the recipe.
What can I serve with this dish? This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it with a glass of white wine for a delightful meal.
How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.
Final Thoughts
Cooking is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating memories and sharing love with those around us. This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Rice brings a delightful blend of flavors that can turn any ordinary day into something special. The tender chicken, coated in a sweet and savory sauce, paired with fluffy jasmine rice, is a dish that warms the heart. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!
Print
Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Rice delights!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and savory dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy honey garlic butter sauce, served over velvety jasmine rice.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the honey garlic mixture and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted.
- While the chicken is cooking, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve it on plates. Top with the honey garlic butter chicken, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the honey garlic mixture.
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Honey Garlic Butter Chicken, Velvety Rice, Chicken Recipe, Asian Cuisine