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One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Recipe

4.6 from 102 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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