This spectacular one-pan chicken and rice dish transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible feast that looks like it came from an expensive restaurant. The secret lies in layering flavors through proper searing, aromatic vegetables, and a glossy honey-soy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Every grain of rice absorbs the rich chicken drippings and aromatic spices, while the tender chicken thighs emerge golden and succulent with an addictive sweet-savory coating.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6-8 chicken thighs, skin-on
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Rice Base:
- 1 cup (200g) jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 leek, sliced into rings
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3.5 oz (100g) enoki or button mushrooms
- 3.5 oz (100g) canned corn, drained
- 3.5 oz (100g) canned peas, drained
- 3 spring onions, chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) hot chicken broth
For the Seasoning:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp dried garlic
- 1 tsp pilaf spice blend
- Salt and black pepper
For the Honey Glaze:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 30ml soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp dried ginger
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place skin-side down and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Flip, season the other side, and cook 4-5 minutes more. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Vegetable Base
In the same pan with chicken drippings, add diced carrot and cook for 3 minutes. Add red onion and cook until softened. Stir in sliced garlic, leek rings, and diced bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Remaining Vegetables
Add mushrooms, corn, and peas to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, curry powder, dried garlic, and pilaf spice. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Rice
Add rice to the vegetable mixture and stir to coat with spices and oils. Add chopped spring onions and mix well. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the rice and vegetable mixture to a baking dish. Pour hot chicken broth over the mixture and stir to combine. Arrange seared chicken thighs on top, skin-side up.
Step 6: Make the Honey Glaze
In a small pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic briefly. In a bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and dried ginger. Add this mixture to the pan with garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Glaze and Bake
Brush the honey glaze generously over the chicken thighs. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 15 minutes until chicken is golden and rice is tender.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6-8 portions
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 420, Protein: 25g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 18g, Fiber: 3g
Why This Recipe is Exceptional
This one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality results using affordable, everyday ingredients that create maximum impact. The combination of properly seared chicken thighs with aromatic jasmine rice creates a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Chicken thighs provide rich flavor and stay incredibly moist during baking, while the skin becomes beautifully crispy. The vegetable medley adds essential vitamins, with carrots providing beta-carotene, bell peppers offering vitamin C, and mushrooms contributing immune-supporting nutrients. The honey-soy glaze creates an irresistible sweet-savory balance that appeals to all ages, while the pilaf spices add warmth and depth. This dish proves that simple techniques and quality ingredients can create extraordinary meals without breaking the budget, making it perfect for feeding families or entertaining guests with minimal cleanup required.