Imagine a dinner that combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and absolute deliciousness - all in one mouthwatering casserole! This Simple Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Casserole is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will transform your weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks like you've been slaving away in the kitchen all day - but our little secret is how incredibly easy it actually is!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a better sear and allows the marinade to stick more effectively.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create a flavorful marinade. Ensure the ingredients are well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. Pour the honey-garlic marinade evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Spread the broccoli florets around the chicken thighs in the baking dish. The broccoli will absorb the delicious marinade while roasting.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help retain moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. This will help the chicken develop a beautiful golden-brown color and crisp edges.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken.
- Serve the honey garlic chicken thighs over the prepared cooked rice. Spoon extra pan juices over the chicken and rice for added flavor.
- Garnish with optional chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before marinating to ensure the sauce clings perfectly and helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Use fresh garlic whenever possible - it makes a world of difference in flavor compared to pre-minced jarred garlic.
- For extra flavor depth, let the chicken marinate in the honey-garlic sauce for 30 minutes to 2 hours before baking if time allows.
- Don't skip the resting period after baking - this crucial step helps redistribute the juices, keeping your chicken incredibly moist and tender.
- For a low-carb option, replace rice with cauliflower rice or serve with roasted vegetables.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with the marinade before pouring over the chicken.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 145mg
