Introduction

This recipe for Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken in 30 Minutes delivers a perfect weeknight dinner. Tender chicken is coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce, served over fluffy steamed rice with crisp broccoli. For another quick chicken favorite, try this Mediterranean Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for this savory and sweet dish, where sticky honey garlic sauce coats tender chicken and crisp broccoli, all served over fluffy, fragrant rice.

• 1½ lbs chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil
• 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 cup uncooked basmati rice
• 3¾ cups low sodium chicken broth
• ½ tsp Italian dried herb blend
• For the sauce: 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp Sriracha, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tbsp ginger (minced), 2-3 tbsp honey
• Optional for garnish: diced scallions, toasted sesame seeds

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Context: This streamlined approach to Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken with Steamed Rice & Broccoli is about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to efficient multitasking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Ingredients

Pat the chicken thighs or breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Mince the garlic and measure out your honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Cut the broccoli into florets and rinse your rice.

Step 2 — Cook the Rice

Start your rice in a rice cooker or pot according to package directions. For best results, use a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio for white jasmine or basmati rice. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes, then let it steam off the heat.

Step 3 — Sear the Chicken

Season chicken generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add the chicken and sear for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove and set aside.

Step 4 — Steam the Broccoli

While the chicken rests, steam the broccoli florets. You can use a steamer basket over simmering water for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Alternatively, microwave them in a bowl with a splash of water, covered, for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5 — Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken (don’t wash it!), reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar, stirring to combine and deglaze the pan.

Step 6 — Simmer and Thicken the Sauce

Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly. For a thicker glaze, create a slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. Cook for another minute until glossy.

Step 7 — Glaze the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning to coat each piece thoroughly in the honey garlic sauce. Let it warm through for 1-2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the top. The chicken should be beautifully glazed and sticky.

Step 8 — Assemble and Serve

Fluff the steamed rice with a fork. Divide the rice among plates, top with the glazed honey garlic chicken, and arrange the steamed broccoli alongside. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the chicken and rice for maximum flavor.

Nutritional Information

Calories	Approx. 520 kcal
Protein	38 g
Carbohydrates	62 g
Fat	12 g
Fiber	4 g
Sodium	Approx. 850 mg

This serving of Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken with Steamed Rice & Broccoli is a good source of protein and vitamin C from the broccoli. The values are estimates based on standard ingredients and a single portion.

Healthier Alternatives

This Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken with Steamed Rice & Broccoli is wonderfully adaptable. Here are practical swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Protein Swap (Tofu or Tempeh) — For a plant-based version, use extra-firm tofu or tempeh. Press and cube it, then pan-fry until golden before adding the sauce. The honey garlic glaze clings beautifully, offering a savory, umami-rich alternative.
• Lower-Carb Cauliflower Rice — Replace steamed white rice with riced cauliflower. Sauté it briefly for a light, fluffy texture that perfectly soaks up the honey garlic sauce while significantly reducing carbs.
• Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Sauce — The sauce is naturally dairy-free. To make it gluten-free, ensure you use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
• Low-Sodium Option — Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos. The sweetness from the honey and the pungency from the garlic will still create a deeply flavorful, balanced sauce.
• Sweetener Alternative (Maple Syrup) — For a vegan or less refined sweetener, use pure maple syrup. It adds a rich, caramel-like depth that complements the garlic and soy beautifully.
• Veggie Boost — Amp up the vegetables by adding sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the broccoli. They add color, texture, and nutrients while cooking in the same time.
• Air Fryer Chicken — For a crispier, less oily finish, toss the chicken pieces in a light coating of cornstarch and air fry at 400°F until golden and cooked through, then toss in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken with a crisp Asian slaw or a simple cucumber salad to add a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the rich, sticky sauce.
• For a heartier meal, serve it alongside fried rice or lo mein noodles instead of steamed rice, soaking up every bit of the delicious honey garlic glaze.
• This dish is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner but impressive enough for hosting, making it a versatile choice for both family meals and entertaining guests.
• Elevate your plating by arranging the chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, placing the steamed broccoli neatly to the side, and drizzling extra sauce over the top for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• For a complete takeout-style experience at home, add classic sides like crispy spring rolls or creamy wonton soup to start your meal.
• Turn leftovers into a delicious lunch by chopping the chicken and broccoli and tossing them with the rice for a quick and easy stir-fried rice the next day.

The sweet and savory flavors of this Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken with Steamed Rice & Broccoli also pair wonderfully with a light, slightly sweet white wine like Riesling or a cold beer to balance the garlicky goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using low-quality honey that lacks flavor. Fix: Opt for a robust, raw honey to create a sauce with real depth and character.
• Mistake: Adding garlic too early, causing it to burn and turn bitter. Fix: Sauté the garlic for just 30-60 seconds after the chicken is cooked to preserve its sweet, aromatic flavor.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan when searing the chicken. Fix: Cook in batches to ensure each piece gets a proper golden-brown sear, which locks in juices.
• Mistake: Letting the sauce boil rapidly, which can make it thin and watery. Fix: Simmer the sauce gently after adding the cornstarch slurry to allow it to thicken properly without breaking.
• Mistake: Steaming the broccoli until it’s mushy and dull green. Fix: Steam just until bright green and tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes, for the best texture and color.
• Mistake: Rinsing rice after cooking, which washes away starch needed for fluffy grains. Fix: Rinse rice thoroughly *before* cooking, then let it steam off-heat, covered, for perfect separation.
• Mistake: Using pre-minced garlic from a jar. Fix: Freshly mince garlic cloves for a brighter, more potent flavor that defines the dish.
• Mistake: Skipping the deglazing step after cooking the chicken. Fix: Use a splash of broth or water to scrape up the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the pan—this is flavor gold for your sauce.
• Mistake: Serving everything lukewarm. Fix: Time your components so the Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken, rice, and broccoli are hot and ready to plate together.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken with Steamed Rice & Broccoli in a shallow, airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the components separately in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing but will recombine when reheated.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in a covered, microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Always use clean utensils to serve leftovers and avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for more than two hours to ensure food safety.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken with Steamed Rice & Broccoli is a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and simple to make. If you loved this recipe, try our Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl With Broccoli & Cucumber Recipe next. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your results and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

Print

Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken with Steamed Rice & Broccoli

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Tender chicken coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce, served with steamed rice and broccoli for a complete, flavorful one-pan meal that’s simple and healthy.

• Author: Dorothy Miller
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Method: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1½ lbs chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil
• 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 cup uncooked basmati rice
• 3¾ cups low sodium chicken broth
• ½ tsp Italian dried herb blend
• For sauce: 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp Sriracha, 1 clove garlic minced, 1 tbsp ginger minced, 2-3 tbsp honey
• Optional: diced scallions, toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Marinate chicken cubes in 2 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Sriracha, and 1 tsp garlic powder for 15-30 minutes.
2. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in one layer, cook 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove chicken if needed.
3. In the pan center, sauté diced onion for 2 minutes, add minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add broccoli florets, uncooked rice, chicken broth, and herb blend. Mix, bring to boil, cover, simmer 20 minutes until rice is cooked, adding more liquid if needed.
4. Stir in chicken to reheat. Meanwhile, mix honey garlic sauce ingredients. Drizzle over chicken, rice, and broccoli. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For crispier chicken, sear fully before adding rice. Adjust honey for sweetness or Sriracha for heat. Use basmati rice for best texture; brown rice works for healthier option.

Nutrition

• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook them for a slightly shorter time to prevent drying out, as thighs are more forgiving. The sweet and savory honey garlic sauce will still coat them perfectly for your Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken with Steamed Rice & Broccoli.

How can I make the honey garlic sauce thicker?

For a thicker glaze, let the sauce simmer for an extra minute or two after adding the cornstarch slurry. You can also add a little more slurry if needed, but stir constantly to avoid lumps. A glossy, thick sauce is key for coating the chicken and broccoli.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. You can also use the microwave, but cover the dish to prevent splatter. This helps preserve the texture of your Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken with Steamed Rice & Broccoli.