Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Casserole features tender chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful honey garlic sauce, served over fluffy long grain white rice. The dish combines savory and sweet elements with a hint of chili powder for a subtle kick. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a complete dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Aromatics and Rice
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped, white and pale green parts and green parts kept separate
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Sauce and Broth
- 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare and season chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly.
- Brown chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the chicken pieces and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside. Repeat with remaining chicken.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the white and pale green parts of the chopped green onions (about 2/3 cup) along with the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
- Cook rice with spices: Add the long grain white rice and chili powder to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to coat the rice evenly in oil and aromatics.
- Add liquids and bring to boil: Stir in the reduced-sodium chicken broth, honey, reduced-sodium soy sauce, and lemon juice until the honey dissolves. Increase heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer chicken and rice: Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer gently until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the remaining green parts of the green onions over the casserole before serving. Enjoy with a side of roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
Notes
- Use reduced-sodium broth and soy sauce to control sodium levels.
- Make sure to brown the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- If the rice is not tender after 20 minutes, add a splash more broth and continue cooking until done.
- For added vegetables, stir in frozen peas or bell peppers during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American