Prep the Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken to a plate (it won't be fully cooked yet).
Make the Glaze
In the same skillet (no need to clean), reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger (if using), sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour into the glaze and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Finish in Oven
Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Transfer skillet to a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes (boneless) or 30-35 minutes (bone-in) until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Baste and Rest
Remove from oven, baste chicken with the thickened glaze one more time. Let rest 5 minutes.
Cook Rice
While chicken is in the oven, cook rice according to package directions (typically bring 3.5 cups water/broth to boil, add 2 cups rice, reduce to low, cover, simmer 18-20 minutes).
Serve
Plate rice, top with glazed chicken, drizzle with extra sauce from the pan. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
No Coconut: Use plain white rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice. The honey garlic glaze brings all the flavor you need!
Make it Stovetop: If you don't want to use the oven, after adding chicken back to the glaze, just cover and simmer on low for 15-18 minutes (boneless) or 25-30 minutes (bone-in).
Kid Tweaks: Omit red pepper flakes and ginger for super kid-friendly. The honey-garlic combo is naturally appealing to young palates.
Thicker Glaze: If you want an even thicker, stickier sauce, add another tablespoon of cornstarch slurry.
Veggie Add-Ins: Toss broccoli florets or snap peas into the pan during the last 10 minutes of baking for a one-pan meal.
Leftovers: This reheats beautifully! Store chicken and rice separately, microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Pairs well with:
Steamed broccoli, edamame, or simple cucumber salad. And the satisfaction of watching picky eaters clean their plates!