Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice

For the Rice:

• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Pinch of salt

Garnishes:

• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the Rice

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch for fluffier rice.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth, butter, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Making the Honey Soy Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed, and sauté the onion until soft, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Mix in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ketchup (if using), and chili flakes. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 4: Combining Chicken with Sauce

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the chicken pieces.
2. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 5: Serving

1. Plate a portion of fluffy rice and top it with the honey garlic chicken.
2. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the dish.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Notes:

• Chicken Choice: Thighs are recommended for a juicier texture, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cornstarch slurry. If you like a thinner sauce, skip the cornstarch.
• Sweetness: For a less sweet version, reduce the honey to ¼ cup and increase the soy sauce.
• Rice Options: Swap out jasmine rice for brown rice or quinoa if you want a healthier alternative. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
• A wedge of lime on the side adds a fresh citrusy kick.
• For a hearty meal, consider pairing with a cup of miso soup or a small bowl of kimchi for a Korean twist.