Honey Garlic Chicken with Jasmine Rice

Honey Garlic Chicken with Jasmine Rice is one of those recipes that checks all the right boxes: flavorful, comforting, simple, and satisfying. With tender chicken cooked in a sticky, glossy honey garlic sauce and served over fragrant jasmine rice, this dish takes pantry staples and turns them into something truly irresistible.

The sauce is the real star—sweet honey, aromatic garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of acidity come together to create a perfect balance. Paired with fluffy jasmine rice that absorbs all that delicious sauce, it delivers restaurant-quality goodness with minimal effort.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly rewarding for how easy it is. From the first bite, the clean yet bold flavors stand out—sticky, sweet, savory, garlicky, and wonderfully satisfying.

• The texture contrast between tender chicken and fluffy rice is perfect.
• The sauce tastes like takeout—but fresher and healthier.
• It works for both busy weeknights and cozy weekend meals.
• It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

The aroma of jasmine rice cooking alongside the simmering honey garlic sauce fills the kitchen with warmth and anticipation—it’s pure comfort.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You should absolutely try this recipe because:

• It uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
• It’s budget-friendly yet feels like dining out.
• It makes a complete meal—protein + carb—in one recipe.
• It’s family-friendly (kids and adults love it).

Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Time, Servings, and Nutrition

Category	Details
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cooking Time	20–25 minutes
Total Time	~30–35 minutes
Servings	4
Course	Main Dish
Cuisine	Asian-inspired / American fusion
Calories	~540 calories per serving

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

Honey Garlic Sauce

• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
• ½ tsp ground ginger (optional but recommended)
• ½ tsp chili flakes or sriracha (optional for heat)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

For the Jasmine Rice

• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 3 cups water or broth
• Pinch of salt

Garnish

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1 — Cook the Jasmine Rice

1. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
2. Add rice, water, and salt to a pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
4. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes.
5. Let rest 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Step 2 — Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked (6–8 min).

Step 3 — Make the Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together:
   • Honey
   • Soy sauce
   • Garlic
   • Rice vinegar
   • Ginger
   • Chili flakes (if using)
2. Pour sauce over cooked chicken.

Step 4 — Thicken

1. Stir cornstarch slurry into pan.
2. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce becomes thick and glossy.

Step 5 — Assemble

• Serve saucy chicken over jasmine rice.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top.

How to Serve

Serve warm with:

• Jasmine rice (as written)
• Steamed broccoli, bok choy, green beans, or carrots
• A light cucumber salad or Asian slaw

You can also turn it into:

• A rice bowl
• Lettuce wraps
• A takeout-style bento meal

Helpful Recipe Tips

• Use thighs for juicier, softer chicken.
• Don’t rush the sauce—it thickens as it simmers.
• If too thick, add a splash of water; if too thin, simmer longer.
• Use a non-stick or cast-iron pan to prevent burning.

Variations

Version	How to Modify
Spicy Honey Garlic	Add 1–2 tsp sriracha, chili oil, or gochujang.
Crispy Version	Dredge chicken lightly in cornstarch and pan fry before saucing.
Vegetarian	Replace chicken with tofu, cauliflower, or chickpeas.
Low-Carb/Keto	Serve with cauliflower rice and reduce honey.

Storage & Freezing

Type	Duration
Refrigerator	3–4 days
Freezer	Up to 2 months (best frozen without rice)

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Sauce whisk or spatula
• Rice cooker or medium saucepan

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes—thaw completely before cooking.

Q: Can I substitute jasmine rice?
Absolutely—basmati, brown rice, or quinoa also work.

Q: I want more sauce. Should I double it?
Yes—this recipe doubles beautifully for extra sauciness.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken with Jasmine Rice is a comforting, flavorful, and deeply satisfying dish you’ll come back to again and again. With simple ingredients, quick preparation, and a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s perfect for busy evenings, meal prep, or a relaxing weekend dinner.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe is a universal favorite—it’s easy, delicious, and feels like a kitchen win every time.