One Pan Honey Soy Chicken and Rice Recipe

Need a comforting weeknight meal that’s big on flavor and low on dishes? This One Pan Honey Soy Chicken and Rice Recipe delivers juicy, golden-seared chicken simmered in a savory-sweet garlic soy sauce all in one skillet. The best part? The rice cooks right in the same pan, soaking up every drop of flavor for a dish that’s hearty, sticky, and soul-satisfying.

Much like our Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe and Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe, this recipe leans on simple ingredients that transform into bold, crave-worthy comfort food. It’s got pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and rice, but the way they meld together makes this dish taste like a weeknight miracle.

Perfect for meal prep, picky eaters, or those nights you don’t want to think, this dish is a go-to. Pair it with a refreshing side like Thai Watermelon Salad or enjoy it straight from the skillet (we won’t judge). Ready to make dinner magic with one pan? Let’s go!

Origins of Honey Soy Chicken and Rice

While the One Pan Honey Soy Chicken and Rice Recipe doesn’t hail from a single “official” country, it draws deep inspiration from the vibrant flavors of East and Southeast Asian home cooking, especially Chinese and Japanese cuisine, where soy-based sauces and a balance between sweet, salty, and umami are foundational.

The honey-soy combo is rooted in the classic principle of flavor harmony known in Chinese cooking as “gan wei” (sweet taste) and “xian wei” (savory taste), where a touch of sweetness (like honey) elevates the depth of salty, umami-rich soy sauce. This balance is echoed in many beloved dishes, from teriyaki chicken in Japan to sticky soy-glazed drumsticks often served at Lunar New Year celebrations across Asia.

The “one pan” approach, meanwhile, is a modern Western twist, born from weeknight convenience. It combines the Asian love for deeply marinated proteins with the Western tendency to cook everything together, especially rice, which acts as the sponge for bold sauces. By simmering chicken directly with rice in one skillet, home cooks get the best of both worlds: rich flavor and fewer dishes.

So, while you won’t find this exact version in a traditional cookbook, you’ll taste the cultural influences in every bite and appreciate how this dish bridges authentic flavors with modern kitchen practicality.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect One Pan Honey Soy Chicken and Rice

✅ Sear first for flavor
Don’t skip browning the chicken! A quick sear before simmering locks in juices and builds flavor, just like we do in our savory Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe.

✅ Use chicken thighs for juicy results
Boneless, skinless thighs stay tender and soak up the sweet-salty soy sauce like sponges. Breast meat works, too, but keep a close eye so it doesn’t overcook.

✅ Wash your rice
Always rinse your rice until the water runs clear. It removes excess starch and keeps the texture fluffy instead of gummy, a must for one-pan recipes.

✅ Adjust sweetness to taste
Like it sweeter? Add an extra spoon of honey. Want it more savory? Reduce the honey and bump up the soy sauce, or add a splash of rice vinegar for zing, kind of like the tang we use in this Thai Watermelon Salad.

✅ Want more veggies? Toss them in!
This dish plays well with bell peppers, snap peas, or even baby spinach stirred in at the end. It’s similar to the customizability of our Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe.

✅ Let it rest
After cooking, let everything sit covered for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and absorb all those rich juices.

✅ Make it ahead
This dish reheats like a dream, making it a stellar meal prep option alongside favorites like our Crack Chicken Tenders.

Easy Variations to Try

Spice it up, swap it out, or make it your own. This recipe is flexible. Here are some fun and flavorful ways to remix your One Pan Honey Soy Chicken and Rice:

• 🌶️ Spicy Style: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a gentle kick. Love heat? Serve it with a cool side like our Cold Cucumber Mint Soup to balance it out.
• 🥦 Veggie-Packed Version: Toss in chopped bell peppers, snow peas, shredded carrots, or even broccoli. It’s a great way to clean out the fridge and boost nutrition, just like we do in One Pot Cauliflower Fried Rice.
• 🍍 Hawaiian-Inspired: Stir in some pineapple chunks and a dash of ginger for a sweet, tropical twist. It pairs beautifully with the sticky soy glaze.
• 🥚 Fried Rice Feel: Crack an egg toward the end and scramble it right into the rice. Think of it as a cousin to our Crack Chicken Penne with an Asian takeout spin.
• 🍚 Low-Carb Option: Want to make it keto-friendly? Swap the rice for riced cauliflower, just like we did in our Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Just cook for less time and reduce the liquid.
• 🧄 Extra Umami Boost: Stir in a bit of miso paste or a splash of oyster sauce to deepen the savory flavor. You’ll get rich, restaurant-style depth with almost no effort.

Health Benefits of One Pan Honey Soy Chicken and Rice

This dish might feel indulgent with its sticky glaze and cozy rice base, but it checks a lot of health-conscious boxes, especially when made with balance in mind.

• Lean Protein: Chicken thighs are packed with high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins. They support muscle recovery and help keep you full longer.
• Immune Boosters: Garlic (an antioxidant powerhouse), ginger (anti-inflammatory), and soy sauce (rich in amino acids) bring more than just flavor; they bring function.
• Complex Carbs: Jasmine or basmati rice provides energy without causing the rapid blood sugar spike you’d get from processed carbs. Want even more fiber? Use brown rice or cauliflower rice.
• Heart-Healthy Fats (optional): If you sauté with olive oil or sesame oil, you’re also adding healthy unsaturated fats that support brain and heart health.
• Lower Sugar Options: By reducing the honey slightly or swapping it with monk fruit sweetener, this dish can be made friendly for low-carb or keto eaters.

📊 Nutritional Breakdown (Estimated per Serving)

Note: These values are approximate and based on a 4-serving batch using boneless chicken thighs and white jasmine rice. Values vary with ingredients used.

One Pan Honey Soy Chicken and Rice in a Keto Diet

While traditional rice might be off the table for strict keto eaters, this recipe can be easily adapted to fit a low-carb or keto lifestyle without sacrificing that craveable sticky-sweet flavor.

To keep it keto, swap out white rice for riced cauliflower, just like we do in our One Pot Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe. It cooks faster, absorbs the honey-soy-garlic sauce beautifully, and gives you that satisfying texture with a fraction of the carbs. You’ll still get all the bold Asian-inspired flavor, but with under 10 net carbs per serving.

Want to lower the sugars even more? Replace the honey with a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit syrup or liquid stevia. Just one or two teaspoons can add that glossy, caramelized touch without kicking you out of ketosis.

With the protein from chicken thighs, healthy fats from sesame oil, and the low-carb swap for rice, this dish becomes a keto-friendly one-pan meal you’ll want to make again and again. Pair it with a side like our refreshing Cucumber Watermelon Mojito (non-alcoholic) for a guilt-free dinner win.

One Pan Honey Soy Chicken and Rice Recipe From OoohDelish!

One Pan Honey Soy Chicken and Rice Recipe

Sticky, savory-sweet chicken thighs simmered to perfection in a garlicky honey soy glaze, cooked with fluffy rice all in one pan. A weeknight dinner winner that’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to clean up.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Chicken Recipes, Easy Dinner ideas

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup jasmine rice rinsed and drained
• 1 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger optional
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup frozen peas optional
• 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

• 1 Large nonstick skillet with lid
• 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cup
• Knife & cutting board

Method

 

1. Sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Season chicken thighs with black pepper and lightly sear them for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Deglaze and mix sauce: Lower heat to medium. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger (if using), and sauté 30 seconds. Stir in soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Let bubble for 1 minute.
3. Add rice and broth: Stir in rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Simmer everything together: Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan on top of the rice. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 20–22 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5. Steam and finish: Turn off heat, keep covered, and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming.
6. Add peas & garnish: Stir in frozen peas if using. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• To make it keto-friendly, swap jasmine rice with cauliflower rice and reduce honey to 1 tablespoon or replace with monk fruit syrup.
• This dish is also perfect for meal prep, stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Use chicken breasts for a leaner version, but reduce cook time slightly to avoid drying out.

Nutrition (per serving – approx.)

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Fat: 18g
Sodium: ~700mg
Iron: 12% DV
Vitamin B6: 20% DV

💬 Share Your Twist

Did you make this One Pan Honey Soy Chicken and Rice Recipe your own?

Did you swap in cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version? Add pineapple for a tropical punch? Or maybe tossed in bok choy and red peppers for a veggie boost?

📸 Tag your skillet magic on Instagram or Facebook using #OoohDelishTwist your creation might be featured in our stories!

💌 Got a cozy family version or meal prep tip? Email us at contact@ooohdelish.com we love sharing flavor from our foodie fam!

FAQs: One Pan Honey Soy Chicken and Rice Recipe