I needed something easy but fun—like sweet, spicy, and kinda bold. That’s when I made this One Pot Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Pasta. Yep, rice and pasta in one dish… wild but so good.
It’s got juicy chicken, a sweet garlic kick, and that honey sass that makes it pop. The pasta and rice soak it all in. One pot, zero boring bites.
It’s sticky, cozy, and full of flavor in every spoonful. I love how the honey garlic sauce wraps around everything. It’s my go-to when I want sweet heat without the mess.
I’ll show you how I throw it together—fast, easy, and totally sassy. Let’s make it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor.
- Balanced Flavor: Sweet from the honey, salty from the soy, and garlic to tie it all together.
- Family-Friendly: It’s easy, filling, and even picky eaters enjoy it.
- Veggie-Packed: Bell peppers and carrots make it bright and nutritious.
- Customizable: Use whatever veggies or pasta you have on hand.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes
Servings: Serves 4–6 as a main course.
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly, with a little chopping and stirring.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs (for handling chicken)
- Ladle (optional, for serving)
Ingredients for the Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life (exact amounts will be in the recipe card below):
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Rice Pasta: Brown rice or white rice pasta works great here—it holds the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for strong, aromatic flavor.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a glossy finish to the sauce.
- Soy Sauce (or Tamari): Gives salty depth and balances the sweet notes.
- Chicken Broth: Acts as the base liquid to cook the pasta and create the sauce.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and veggies.
- Onion: Adds a savory base flavor.
- Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or orange for color and crunch.
- Carrots: Thinly sliced or julienned to cook evenly.
- Green Onions: For freshness and color at the end.
- Sesame Seeds (Optional): Adds texture and a little flair for topping.
Variations for One Pot Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Pasta
- Swap the Chicken: Use shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. Both would pair well with the honey garlic sauce.
- Use Regular Pasta: If you don’t have rice pasta, feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
- Add Spice: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a sliced fresh chili to the sauce.
- Extra Veggies: You can add broccoli, snap peas, or spinach for even more nutrition and flavor.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a bit of cream or coconut milk towards the end for a richer texture.
How to Make One Pot Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Pasta Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and toss in the chopped onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.
3. Add the Garlic and Sauce Ingredients
Add the minced garlic to the veggies and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant. Now, pour in the soy sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any bits of chicken stuck to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta
Add the rice pasta to the skillet, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let everything simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly. The liquid should be absorbed, and the pasta should be tender.
How to Serve One Pot Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Pasta
This dish is perfect as a complete meal, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy it:
- Top with Fresh Green Onions: Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions for extra color and a bit of freshness.
- Pair with a Side Salad: A light cucumber or mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Serve with Crusty Bread: Serve it alongside a warm piece of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Storing One Pot Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Pasta
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezing: While this recipe is best fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce upon freezing, so you can add a little more broth or water when reheating.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since we’re using rice pasta, it’s important not to let it sit in the pan too long, as it can become mushy.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For a saltier kick, increase the soy sauce.
- Watch the Liquid Level: Rice pasta absorbs liquid differently, so if the pasta seems dry during cooking, just add a little more chicken broth or water.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
One Pot Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Pasta
Course: Uncategorized4
servings10
minutes20
minutes450
kcalIngredients
1 lb Chicken Breast or Thighs (Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
8 oz Rice Pasta (Brown rice or white rice pasta)
4 cloves Garlic (Minced)
1/4 cup Honey
1/4 cup Soy Sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
1 cup Chicken Broth
2 tbsp Olive Oil
1 Onion (Diced)
1 Bell Pepper (Sliced, any color)
1 Carrot (Thinly sliced or julienned)
2 Green Onions (Chopped for garnish)
1 tbsp Sesame Seeds (Optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the pot and set aside. - Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and carrots. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. - Make the Sauce:
Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, honey, and soy sauce (or tamari), stirring to combine. - Add the Pasta:
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the rice pasta. Stir to ensure the pasta is covered in the sauce. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce. - Combine Chicken and Pasta:
Add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together, letting the flavors blend for another 2-3 minutes. - Serve:
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve hot and enjoy!
One Pot Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Pasta FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use regular pasta like spaghetti, penne, or fusilli if you don’t have rice pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since traditional pasta takes longer than rice pasta to cook.
2. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes, chili sauce, or even fresh sliced chili peppers. Add them when you stir in the garlic and cook for an extra punch of flavor.
3. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you use.
4. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, low-sodium soy sauce will work perfectly in this recipe. Just taste the sauce before adding more salt, as low-sodium soy sauce may need a little extra seasoning to balance the flavors.
5. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While this recipe is best when freshly made, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the veggies, cut the chicken, and store them in separate containers in the fridge. When ready to cook, it will take less time to put everything together.
6. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stovetop. Add a little more broth or water if the pasta has absorbed too much of the sauce during freezing.
7. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid drying out the pasta.
Conclusion
One Pot Sassy Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish that brings the best of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make a meal everyone will love in just one pot. Whether you’re cooking for a family or prepping for the week, this dish will be a hit!