Tender, oven-baked chicken breasts glazed in a sticky, garlicky honey sauce, served with savory vegetable fried rice—this meal is a wholesome, flavor-packed combination of sweet and savory. Perfect for dinner or meal prep, this dish brings together protein, grains, and vegetables in one satisfying plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, flavorful chicken baked in a simple homemade honey garlic glaze
- A healthier alternative to takeout with no deep frying
- Packed with colorful vegetables for added nutrients
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or grain swaps
- Ideal for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meal prep
- Balanced with protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Honey Garlic Chicken:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Veggie Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the sauce over the top.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, basting once halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and glazed. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. - Make the Veggie Fried Rice:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and broccoli until just tender.
Push vegetables to the side and scramble the beaten eggs in the empty space. Mix the eggs with the vegetables.
Add the rice and soy sauce, stir-frying until heated through and slightly crispy. Adjust seasoning to taste. - Assemble the Plate:
Serve the sliced honey garlic chicken over the bed of veggie fried rice. Spoon additional sauce from the baking dish over the top before serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 510 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegan Option: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup in place of honey.
- Grain Substitutes: Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
- Spicy Version: Add more chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms in the fried rice.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions of chicken and rice in meal prep containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Microwave on medium heat or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth until warm throughout.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and offer more juiciness. Adjust the baking time slightly as needed.
What kind of rice is best for fried rice?
Day-old jasmine or long-grain white rice is ideal for texture and flavor.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes after baking or add a cornstarch slurry before baking.
Can I cook the chicken in advance?
Yes, cooked chicken can be refrigerated and reheated when ready to serve.
How do I make the dish spicier?
Increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
Can I use frozen vegetables for the fried rice?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables can be sautéed directly in the skillet—no need to thaw first.
Is it okay to bake the chicken covered?
Leave it uncovered for a better glaze. Covering will create steam and prevent caramelization.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish or two pans to prevent crowding.
How do I keep the rice from becoming mushy?
Use day-old rice and stir-fry quickly over high heat to prevent over-softening.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, this dish is excellent for meal prep. Store in portioned containers and reheat as needed.
Conclusion
Baked Honey Garlic Chicken with Veggie Fried Rice is a wholesome, flavorful meal that brings the best of sweet and savory together in one satisfying dish. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a comforting homemade dinner that feels like takeout—only healthier.
Baked Honey Garlic Chicken with Veggie Fried Rice
Tender baked chicken breasts glazed in a sticky, garlicky honey sauce, served alongside savory vegetable fried rice with carrots, broccoli, and fluffy rice—a wholesome, flavor-packed meal perfect for dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- For the Honey Garlic Chicken:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Veggie Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Place chicken in a baking dish and pour sauce over top. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and glazed, basting once halfway. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Make Fried Rice: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and broccoli until just tender. Push veggies to the side, scramble eggs in the pan, then mix together. Add rice and soy sauce, stir-frying until heated through and lightly crispy. Adjust seasoning.
- Assemble: Serve sliced honey garlic chicken over a bed of veggie fried rice with extra sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- Leftover rice works best for fried rice texture.
- Chicken thighs can be used for juicier results.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas to the veggie mix for more variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 165mg