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Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Over Rice

crispy honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image
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Crispy honey garlic chicken thighs over garlic butter rice is a comforting, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner featuring golden, crispy chicken, a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce, and fluffy, garlicky rice. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy families or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or avocado)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, minced (for sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (for rice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for rice)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onion, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Lightly dust the skin side with 2 tablespoons flour.
  2. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in rinsed rice and toast for 1 minute. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook without moving for 7-8 minutes until skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook 2 minutes more. Turn off heat.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, 4-5 minced garlic cloves, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour sauce over chicken in skillet, spooning some under the thighs.
  6. Transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F oven. Roast, uncovered, for 18-22 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and sauce is bubbly and thickened.
  7. Once rice is done, remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in chopped herbs if using.
  8. Serve rice on plates, top with crispy chicken thighs, and spoon honey garlic sauce over everything. Garnish with parsley or green onion if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and tamari. For dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter in the rice. Boneless, skinless thighs can be used (reduce oven time by 10 minutes). Add veggies like peas or corn to the rice for extra nutrition. Reheat chicken in the oven to maintain crispiness. Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, skillet chicken, garlic butter rice, family dinner, Asian-inspired, comfort food

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