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Honey Lemon Chicken and Rice

This Honey Lemon Chicken and Rice is a bright, comforting one-pan meal with tender chicken and fluffy jasmine rice glazed in a sweet and tangy honey lemon sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chicken, Comfort Food, Easy, One-Pan, Quick
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast diced
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

  • Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely and squeeze fresh lemon juice.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and almost cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Toast the Garlic and Rice

  • Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add jasmine rice and stir to coat grains with garlic and oil. Toast briefly.

Step 4: Add the Liquids and Seasonings

  • Pour in chicken broth, honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low to simmer.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook Through

  • Return cooked chicken to pan, nestling it into rice and liquid. Cover with lid and cook for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Avoid lifting lid during cooking.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  • Remove pan from heat. Fluff rice with fork and sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Serve immediately.

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Citrus juicer (optional)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs as a juicier, more affordable alternative to chicken breast.
  • Brown rice can be used but will require longer cooking time and more liquid.
  • Adjust honey and lemon juice to balance sweetness and tartness to your taste.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.