Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Asian-inspired dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the pickiest eaters! This Honey Soy Chicken and Rice Bake is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tender flavors in one incredible one-pan wonder. Imagine succulent chicken thighs glazed with a rich honey-soy marinade, nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked rice and vibrant mixed vegetables - all baked to golden perfection with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup rice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth to create the marinade.
- Place chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish and pour half of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Spread uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish around the chicken thighs.
- Pour the remaining chicken broth over the rice, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle mixed vegetables around and between the chicken thighs.
- Pour the remaining marinade over the entire dish, coating chicken and vegetables.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and steam.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and rice is tender.
- Remove foil during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow chicken skin to crisp and brown slightly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and rice to absorb remaining liquid.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate a bit longer if time allows. Even 30 minutes in the refrigerator can intensify the taste.
- Rice Pro Tip: Use long-grain rice for the best texture, and ensure you distribute the liquid evenly to prevent dry spots.
- Vegetable Versatility: Feel free to swap mixed vegetables based on what's in season or your family's preferences. Frozen vegetable mixes work great too!
- Crispy Skin Hack: For extra crispy chicken skin, you can briefly broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after removing the foil.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
- Garnish Game: Fresh chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the final presentation and add extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
