One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
Introduction
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a simple, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken is cooked with a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, combined with rice and vegetables all in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey. Pour the mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet.
- Step 3: Add the long-grain rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Step 5: About 5 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and cover again to allow them to steam.
- Step 6: Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or breasts if you prefer leaner protein.
- Swap mixed vegetables for your favorites like bell peppers, corn, or peas to customize the dish.
- For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the BBQ sauce mixture.
- If you like a spicier kick, stir in some crushed red pepper flakes with the seasoning.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of long-grain rice?
Yes, white rice will work but adjust the cooking time according to the rice package instructions to avoid undercooking or burning.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten-containing ingredients.
PrintOne-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe
This One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken thighs or breasts with savory BBQ sauce, honey sweetness, and perfectly cooked rice. Packed with mixed vegetables, this recipe offers a balanced meal with minimal cleanup by cooking everything in a single skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, season the chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear for about 5 minutes on each side until browned, ensuring a nice crust forms on the chicken.
- Prepare the BBQ Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and honey until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the seared chicken in the skillet.
- Add Rice and Broth: Add the long-grain rice and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring gently to combine all ingredients and distribute the rice evenly.
- Simmer to Cook Rice and Chicken: Bring the skillet contents to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Allow to cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Steam Vegetables: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the mixed vegetables on top of the rice and chicken. Cover again to let the steam cook the vegetables until tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to combine all flavors and textures.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs tend to stay juicier.
- If using frozen vegetables, you can add them directly without thawing.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey according to taste.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level.
- For spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other seasonings.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: one-pan meal, BBQ chicken, honey BBQ chicken, chicken and rice, easy dinner, quick recipe, skillet chicken, weeknight meal
