One-Pot Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken & Rice Pasta

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Sweet, savory, and just a touch bold — this One-Pot Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken & Rice Pasta is a comfort meal with flair. Juicy chunks of chicken are bathed in a sticky honey garlic glaze that clings to every bite, layered over tender rice pasta that’s been cooked right in the same pot. This dish captures the perfect balance of richness from soy sauce, the punch of garlic, and the warmth of honey — all melded together into a luscious, caramelized finish.

Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual hosting, this one-pot wonder saves time without sacrificing flavor. With minimal cleanup and no-fuss prep, you’ll get a deeply satisfying, saucy, and protein-packed dish in under 40 minutes. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable — throw in veggies or spice it up to suit your mood. Now let’s dive into the essentials that make this recipe irresistible.

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Ingredients for this One-Pot Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken & Rice Pasta

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 ½ cups long-grain rice pasta (or substitute with standard rice if preferred)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup honey
• ⅓ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water + bouillon cube)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pot Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken & Rice Pasta

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Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cubes in a single layer. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden on all sides and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

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Step 2: Build the Honey Garlic Sauce

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant — avoid browning. Add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes.

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Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Slowly pour this into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. The sauce will begin to thicken in under a minute. Return the chicken to the pan and coat with the thickened sauce.

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Step 4: Add Rice Pasta and Simmer

Add the rice pasta and chicken broth directly into the same pan. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.

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Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from heat. Give it a good stir to evenly coat everything in the sauce. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving.

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Storage Instructions

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To keep your One-Pot Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken & Rice Pasta fresh and delicious, follow these storage guidelines:

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: You can freeze this dish, though the texture of the rice pasta may slightly soften upon thawing. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 4 servings)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Sugars: 18g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 920mg

Note: These values are estimated based on typical ingredient brands and may vary depending on exact quantities used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What can I substitute for rice pasta?

You can easily use long-grain white rice, brown rice, or even orzo pasta. Adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and tenderness, just be sure to trim excess fat before cooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and certified gluten-free rice pasta to make it fully gluten-free.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How spicy is this recipe?

The crushed red pepper flakes add mild heat. You can omit them or increase the amount if you prefer a spicier kick.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots work well. Add them during the pasta cooking phase for tender results.

What type of honey works best?

Use a mild, floral honey. Avoid darker, strongly flavored honey like buckwheat, as it can overpower the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s a great make-ahead dish. It reheats well and the flavors deepen over time.

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