If you’re on the lookout for a delicious, hearty meal that combines the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and savory flavors, look no further than Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice and Veggies. This dish is the perfect choice for family dinners, weeknight meals, or even special occasions. The crispy chicken is coated in a rich honey garlic sauce, making each bite tender and bursting with flavor. When served alongside perfectly cooked rice and fresh, sautéed vegetables, it transforms into a complete, balanced meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is incredibly simple to follow, yet delivers an impressive result. Let’s dive into the details of this scrumptious dish and walk through every step, from preparation to plating.
📝 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (freshly grated or powdered)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup water (for dissolving the cornstarch)
For the Rice and Veggies:
- 1 1/2 cups white rice (or brown rice, depending on preference)
- 3 cups water (or broth for added flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing veggies)
- 1 cup carrots (sliced thinly)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (diced, any color)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for veggies)
🍽️ Step-by-Step Recipe: Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice and Veggies
1️⃣ Prepare the Rice:
Let’s begin by cooking the rice since it takes the longest to prepare. While the chicken is frying, you can work on the veggies, but having the rice ready and set aside will make your process much smoother.
- Rinse the Rice: Start by rinsing 1 1/2 cups of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and ensures the rice cooks up fluffy rather than sticky.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium-sized pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed rice and a pinch of salt. Cover the pot with a lid, lower the heat to a simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes (or follow the instructions for your specific rice type). Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:
- Set Up the Breading Station:
- In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. This dry mixture will give the chicken a flavorful crust.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Start by dipping each chicken breast (or thigh) into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, coat the chicken with the seasoned flour mixture, pressing it down lightly to ensure the coating sticks. This creates that crispy, golden crust when fried.
- Fry the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat 1/2 cup of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test this by dropping a small bit of flour into the pan—if it sizzles, it’s ready), carefully add the breaded chicken to the skillet.
- Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3️⃣ Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, you can whip up the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that will elevate the dish. This sauce is what gives the chicken its irresistible glaze and flavor.
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger. Stir everything together over medium heat.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to form a slurry, then add it to the simmering sauce. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust it if necessary. If you want it sweeter, add a little more honey. If you prefer more tang, increase the vinegar. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken as it cools.
4️⃣ Cook the Veggies:
Now that the rice and chicken are almost ready, it’s time to prepare the veggies to accompany the dish. A medley of carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers adds color, crunch, and a nutritional boost.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots, broccoli florets, and diced bell peppers to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the veggies are tender-crisp. If you like, you can add a dash of soy sauce for extra flavor.
- Season the Veggies: Season the veggies with salt and black pepper to taste. Once they are cooked to your liking, remove the pan from the heat.
5️⃣ Assemble and Serve:
The final step is to assemble your Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice and Veggies. This dish is as beautiful as it is delicious, with vibrant veggies, golden-brown crispy chicken, and the sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce bringing everything together.
- Serve the Rice: Start by plating the cooked rice in the center of each plate.
- Add the Veggies: Arrange a portion of sautéed veggies next to the rice, creating a colorful, well-balanced plate.
- Top with the Chicken: Place the crispy honey garlic chicken on top of the rice or next to the veggies, depending on your preference.
- Drizzle the Sauce: Generously drizzle the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated in that sweet, garlicky goodness. You can also spoon a little extra sauce over the rice and veggies for added flavor.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish your dish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or even a sprinkle of cilantro to add freshness and a bit more texture to the plate.
⏳ Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
This meal comes together quickly and easily, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights or weekend dinners when you want something impressive but not too time-consuming.
🔢 Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~600-700 kcal (depending on the size of the chicken and the amount of sauce)
- Protein: ~40-45g (from chicken)
- Carbohydrates: ~55-60g (from rice and vegetables)
- Fats: ~25-30g (from frying the chicken)
- Fiber: ~5g (from vegetables)
Why This Recipe Works:
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice and Veggies is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful, balanced meal. The crispy chicken pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory sauce, while the rice and vegetables add texture, color, and nutritional value. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, this dish is sure to satisfy your hunger while tantalizing your taste buds. It’s versatile, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to meal in any home cook’s repertoire.
Tips for Success:
- Adjust the sweetness: If you like your dish a little less sweet, reduce the amount of honey or add a bit more soy sauce for a saltier, richer flavor.
- Make it spicier:
For an extra kick, you can add some chili flakes to the honey garlic sauce or top your chicken with a bit of sriracha before serving. 3. Customize your veggies: Feel free to swap the veggies for your favorites. Zucchini, snap peas, or snow peas would also be great additions!
Enjoy your Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice and Veggies! You’ve just created a delicious, hearty meal that’s sure to be a family favorite. Keep this recipe in your rotation for those times when you want something easy, quick, and satisfying.
